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Zero no Tsukaima:Volume16 Chapter5

2013-02-15T05:54:43Z

66.169.192.216: /* Chapter 5: Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières */

===Chapter 5: Saito Chevalier De Hiraga Des Ornières===

Des Ornières, the land granted to Saito by Henrietta, was in the west of Tristain, a distance of about one hour's ride. If one was leaving from the magic academy or from Tristain, the time it took to get to Des Ornières hardly changed. The week just before the beginning of the summer holidays, Saito and Louise left quickly to inspect the land. It was assumed that the two would go alone, but, as expected, the number of companions increased.

"God ... this already seems like a noble procession." Louise said sulkily.

Land was given to Saito! So using that as an excuse, Guiche, leading the Undine boys (The Knights of the Holy Water Spirit) and Kirche, tired of waiting for Colbert, who had not yet arrived from Aquileia, soon arrived first.

Siesta, of course loaded with a mountain of cleaning utensils, also joined. She was the first that, even without seeing the mansion, wanted to thoroughly inspect every corner of it.

"Des Ornières, what kind of place is it?" Malicorne’s face revealed his great curiosity in the question.

"No idea. How am I supposed to know that?" Saito said with a calm expression, responding to him.

"How much is the annual income of this land?"

Recalling the words of Henrietta:

"12,000 Ecus" Saito said, at the sound of all breathlessly gasping.

"Knights! I've been thinking of recommending Saito to be the sponsor of our corps!" Reynald proclaimed loudly. Nobody objected. Resonant voices were heard all at once.

"What is a sponsor?" Saito asked. Louise answered with an angry voice:

"Obviously, you will pay them the whole."

"Well, since I'm the vice-commander after all..." Saito nodded gently. Then Guiche was heard murmuring in a voice almost inaudible:

"Saito, really, I've been thinking we should all have the same uniform for our corps, but..."

An even angrier Louise replied:

"You are the commander, so do something. Are you not a member of the noble Gramont family?"

"You do not realize that we used the resources we had last season and..."

"And what... Now I remember; back there you used 500 ECU for Monmon! Give them back!"

Upon hearing this, everyone there wore a face of disappointment. Seeing that, Saito declared with an expression as if to say "I will take care of it"

"Do not put on that face, I get it, it's not like I want all the money for myself. It's not as if I had won it by a large merit."

"If you think this is better, I can set aside a part of that money every year to the corps. Do you agree with this?"

"How much, Saito? How much will be fine!?" Reynald asked anxiously.

"How much would be OK...?"

Reynald look at the faces of all those present and said with a calm expression "5000 ECU."

"Understood. I will invest that amount each year."

An "ooooooohhh" resounded from everyone. That absurdly generous offer from Saito provoked Louise. Her face went blue.

"Wait! Hey you! That's almost half!"

"Never mind, I’m fine with it, it’s not as if they were a necessity. Moreover, there is nothing in particular you will need them for. Aahhhh, will you need it for something?"

"Yes, you will need it, you are the vice commander of the imperial guard, and you just have been made a landlord, money and other benefits are things that would have to come to you, not to mention that you do not come from a noble family, or have a employer, you're just an upstart! That makes you an easy target for many. If you're not careful it will surely be a mess."

Saito just watched Louise who kept muttering complaints. ''Louise has been unusually awful. Bahh, she always has been an angry person, but lately it seems like anything she sees or hears makes her mad.''

''Is it something that Siesta made to me?'' He thought that at first, but apparently it was something different. After inspecting the situation and feeling the tension in the air, he remembered something Scarron told him to do in cases like this, but ended up saying nothing.

''But ... from the granting of Henrietta, her mood was worsening. Why? Everything went just fine! And on top of that, 12,000 ECU!'' Saito could not understand the reason for the unusual moodiness in Louise. But, after thinking calmly...

''Is it that, even now, Louise is wary of my relationship with the Princess?'' It was during the celebration' s dance... When Louise saw, from the curtain behind him… Saito kissing the princess… Saito had remembered. ''However ... At that time the Princess was not herself. She was sad, and needed to be next to someone. Was it coincidence that at that moment I was alone with her...?''

Of course Louise knew that, but it seems that she was not able to accept it.

''If I were in your place...''

''For example, if I saw Louise in a similar scene?''

Maybe I'd be like that... "It would be natural to be burning with jealousy" Saito thought.

''In truth there is nothing between me and the princess, and…''

Just when Saito thought that ... Saito briefly felt as if something pricked him in his chest. There was a moment when he thought "hee? That's impossible. The princess was sad, I just served to give her some comfort..."

But this anxiety that pricked like a thorn, that feeling of unease, remained in Saito's chest.

What's happening to me? What is it that is worrying me? Then Saito shook his head.

"Hey you, what are you doing?" After Louise said that, Saito regained consciousness.

Somehow, he still did not understand the real reason for his concerns.

"I-It's nothing! Seriously!"

At the moment Louise tried to question him again, Kirche said something that was obviously said just to annoy her.

"Louise, you complain and want to control how Saito spends his money, are you trying to act as the protector of a noble husband? And tell me you two; do you have planned a wedding after graduation?"

At these words, Saito raised many questions in his head. Seeing a smile on the face of his comrades, Saito could not help but discover himself smiling as well. At that time Louise dragged Kirche at the end of the procession, where they were muttering something quietly so that no one could hear them.

"... This, i-indeed, n-not w-w-why. I-i only c-care about him as a roommate..."

"There will be no wedding, but if… you will live together, no? If you do that, would it not provoke bad rumors?"

"What other people say or think has nothing to do with it! I do not care about that sort of thing!"

"That’s not Louise." Kirche told her with her eyes half open.

"It's for Saito!"

"W-what are you saying?"

"You see Louise, Saito is now a national hero, a character who received from Her Majesty the Queen a title and a territory. He may be a newcomer, but he is an upstart that is forging a legend. And also in your country, tell me, is it not mysterious for a commoner to become a noble? He is vice-commander of an imperial body, a landowner and also a character prone to get involved in any drama, which always causes uproar. If a person so famous began to live with a girl who is not married, it would become a scandal, and you're the daughter of a duke…" When she had said this, Kirche gave an "oohohohoho!" laughing loudly.

Part of what she said was already something that was worrying her. This caused her to suddenly raise her voice, saying:

"What's wrong! Are you trying to say I'm not right for being with Saito?"

"Yiaa! It was a joke; you do not need to be angry!" Kirche said with an astonished face. But it could not calm Louise’s irritation after insisting on this point. It was inevitable that her spirits falter.

"Yes, it is ... Like you said. I am insignificant. I do not have a tenth of your chest. I'm not sensual. And also, though I say so myself, I am very irritable. Half of that is his fault but I think I am deeply jealous. My face is cute but my personality is not. So I'm told..."

Is what Louise murmured. Seeing Louise, Kirche said with a look of astonishment:

"Certainly, there may be a better girl out there, less like the Louise that you have become. Someone from a noble family, with a good personality and good looks, a girl like that could be a great opportunity for him."

"Do not talk nonsense! Nobody comes so suddenly and on top of that is from a noble family. That does not happen! Do not tell me in your country these things happen!"

"Who knows? There may be someone who thinks that a landowner hero is worthy of staying with her daughter ... the world is very big and anything can happen."

Kirche said laughing, while Louise turned blue. After what had been said, in the mind of Louise, it waved a series of thoughts that bothered her...

''True, there are not only nobles in Gallia and Tristain. For example, how many are there in Halkeginia… if a grand duke like Kulldenholff is interested in Saito ... “Please take my daughter!” What will I do if that does happen? And if that man were to say, "do it, and one day you will become a king" What will I do? He is carried away so easily; he may suddenly be seduced by an offer.''

Louise thought she would find Saito in the forefront surrounded by the entire hubbub… She could not deduct the encouragement of others, who seemed to be enjoying everything carefree. Even Saito looked at Louise as if he was totally calm himself.

"What, but that! Is it not enough for you, the daughter of a duke? Want to be with someone worthy of you!? But really, becoming the husband of the daughter of a grand duke is difficult. Every day will be tied with a string and you can’t go where you want. The day you get to have an affair, you will be locked up in a dungeon where you will be punished every day. Besides, when you get bored you usually forget the manners, are you ready to not?"

Kirche, looking at such a complex Louise, said:

"That would not change anything about how you would treat him."

"C-change."

"In what way?"

"I-if he was unfaithful, I w-would forgive him from the dungeon."

Louise stood her shoulder forcibly saying: "Perhaps I would be less demanding than the daughter of an archduke."

"If there is no choice" Kirche said as she opened her hands.

Meanwhile they arrived to a place that seemed to be the land of Des Ornières but...

"To the best of my sight I can’t see more than a wasteland." Louise said with an air of distrust.

''I understood from the queen that this land is suspected to have an annual income of 12000.'' Rich farmland, grazing land, fishponds, they could not find any of them. On both sides of the road could be observed only empty and desolate land where the only thing that grew was weeds...

"What grass field will be the main product here?" Saito muttered. Passing by, they found a man who appeared to be a farmer pulling a cart.

"Let's ask him!" Then Guiche waved to the man.

"What can I do for you, my lord?" Like his old horse, he was seedy-looking.

"I would like to take some of your time to ask ... Are these Des Ornières lands?"

"These were my master’s land." It was said with a clear voice, with no accent and an excellent pronunciation, with no doubt.

"This is pretty spoiled to be a land of 12,000 in revenue a year."

Hearing this, the old man with a smiling face gave a "hahaha".

"That was before the Lord of this land died, it’s already been 10 years since that. In the absence of an heir, this land was expropriated but ... young people were leaving these lands to go to the city, and everybody who stayed was just too old to take care of it. Only a few dozen of us are still here, and we do our best to continue working the land."

All were blue in the face after hearing that. In response, Saito, with eyes full of compassion, asked, "And… where is the mansion?"

"The mansion? Is that ... if you do not mind, let me guide you there. I have free time to spare."

They walked through a sort of thick forest, as ruined as the rest of the earth. 10 years had passed since the abandonment of the house. It was clear it had not received maintenance.

Previously it could have been a splendid mansion worthy of a noble, but now all that remained after that many years were broken windows, the roof, doors covered with vines, and cracked walls.

"This will be a challenge to clean..." Siesta muttered in a puzzled voice.

"Her Majesty the Queen… why has she given you a land in such bad shape?" Reynald asked. Malicorne nodded.

"No, surely Her Majesty did not know. Maybe she did not remember that it was a land so devoid in all aspects. But if she gave this land to Saito, surely she also ordered anyone looking for a place to settle to come here."

Upon hearing this conversation, "Maa, being the princess, that is possible." Louise said from the bottom of her heart. Surely Henrietta had no bad intentions. Only, as she is supposed to be the queen after all, it’s normal that people expect from her things that are above the clouds.

''Certainly if we ask to make arrangements here, it would be solved. And if we say 12,000 annual income, she would see to it that you get it. Although I do not think that she will take charge of the verification.''

At the same time, Louise was somehow relieved. Henrietta was the one who gave this land to Saito and it’s really only because she sees him as a vassal. As a princess, giving some land to the man she loves, it is obvious that she would at least verify its condition. That said, it became clear that Louise kept even some suspicion. ''The unjustified special treatment for Saito ... displays of affection, those things…''

''I can’t deny the recent past, but I do not think it hides bad intentions. I think these were sincere acts.''

''Let’s see it in the right side. All my fears are absurd.''

Thinking of this, Louise could feel her heart filled with enthusiasm. Immediately, Louise was filled with a confidence she could barely contain. ''Even if she’s a princess, no matter where she comes from, whether she’s a noble or a plebeian, there is no way I could lose to anyone. That's because I am the third daughter of an influential Duke. I can assume that there is no one greater than me in refinement or elegance. I might not have a big chest, but in this world, there is no one that equals my beauty!

It doesn’t matter if he’s a national hero, I do not have to feel indebted to Saito, yes, definitely I do not have to.''

"Say you do not compare yourself to me and there is no reason to be so confident."

Louise let out a small smile. ''How come just now I was ashamed?''

"Nonsense." ''Didn’t I say to myself, I make him the favour of letting me live with him?'' "You should be grateful to have the honour to live with me; it is ridiculous to think that I feel indebted to you."

"What? In truth you can live here ..." Saito said crestfallen. Louise then attacked his shoulder.

"Right? Isn't it enough for you?"

"Heee?"

Saito turned his head, and for some reason he saw Louise with a look of triumph on her face. Although a moment ago she was muttering complaints and was discouraged. ''What happened that changed her mood so well?''

"What is the matter with you? Hey, Louise ..."

"It's nothing. It's just that the weather was cloudy and overcast."

Saito doubted that was it, but seeing Louise happy compared to how troubled she looked a moment ago, no matter what had happened, it seemed to have improved her mood ... It also somehow managed to cheer him.

"Never mind if this mansion is falling apart. I’m fine with it."

"N-no problem! It’s only a matter of getting used to live here!"

''I suppose it will look better when it is cleaned.''

"But ... it will be difficult! Aahaahaa"

"Hey, are you really thinking about living here?" Kirche asked, surprising both of them.

"No problem, after all it is the mansion of the land that the princess gave us. If we were to not live here, we might be punished."

"Hey Saito. Buy a fortress, a fortress, let's quickly get out of this haunted mansion!" insisted the Ondin guys, but Saito did not seem to pay attention to them.

''No ... on second thought, if we end up buying a fortress with the money, what would we do with the other expenses? And then we would have to make a budget for the maintenance.''

"Hey! We could get a lot of revenue if we do heroic actions here and there!"

"Yes, it’s true!"

The young nobles have started talking like they were about to start a worldwide spectacle.

"And what would we do if we get injured? And besides, how many opportunities will we have to do heroic actions? Not many, right? And in the end, we only have 600 ECU of the pension we receive from La Vallière, in which Louise and I use for everyday expenses, and there is also the salary of the maid." Saito said as he directed his gaze to the emaciated mansion.

"Naa, even if it’s not a lot, this land will produce profits. How about it then? Is it okay here, Louise?"

"Yep." Louise nodded. To Siesta, the fact of living with Saito was more than enough, so she had been smiling from the start.

Seeing disappear its 5000 annual ECU, the Ondine boys were now the one with a long face.

Louise and Saito asked a favor to a contractor to repair their mansion for 1000 ECU.

The first day they saw their new home, it discouraged them, but over the days the place had become a decent place to live.

At the time when the summer began, it seemed more and more possible to get accustomed to live in that place. They expected that within a month or two the mansion would be worthy of a noble status to stay in, except for the second floor of the mansion which was covered with a type of discontinued stone.

Right in front of the vestibule stood a fan-shaped staircase. Passing a heavy oak door, there was a huge lounge. When entering on the right, you could find a dining room where you could sit up to 20 people. In the background there was the space for the kitchen.

A room that served as a reception room and study was on the left side.

At the top of the staircase that led on both side to the second floor, there was 6 rooms. As expected, one of those 6 rooms was used as a bedroom. Saito and the others bought a great new bed for that room.

In the garden was a barn and cages that served as home for dogs. It seemed that Mr. Des Ornières was very adept at hunting because they had been splendidly built. Going downstairs was a door leading to the basement, which was firmly closed. They sought for it but they could not find the key, so it was decided to leave it as well.

At this moment, the people that lived on Saito’s land were exclusively composed of elders. However, they still could achieve an income of 2000 ECU. Even if had lost its verve, the worn earth could still get some grapes. The wine that was prepared by the elders was delicious, although little was produced. By sharing it with others, little by little it acquired fame.

Saito and Louise passed calm days at the Magic Academy while they spent their weekend in Des Ornières. Viewing it as repairs progressed in the mansion seemed fun. Calmly, casually visiting Des Ornières, filled them with satisfaction.

On one occasion when Saito and the others came to visit, they did some cleaning with Siesta, ordered new furniture and took a walk around.

They could almost not see the desolate field in the lands of Des Ornières. Also, if you watched closely you could find a lot of entertaining things: a small pond in the forest, a garden, small wildflowers blooming, all this into a walk while watching the scenery. It was a great way to pass the time.

At night, the people of Des Ornières decided to go to greet their new master. They brought the wine that makes them so proud, some fruits they had reaped, freshly baked bread and freshly made sweets, and soon it wasn’t necessary to prepare dinner!

While taking their walk, the villagers were talking about them with animated voices. They knew Saito was a knight of the imperial guard of plebeian origin. They were speaking of him like he was a grandson whom they felt very proud of.

"Hello, hello, please come to visit my humble home, my young lord!"

With that kind of voice they were called, and humbly, they were greeted with tea, alcohol and sweets. Then, they listened to Saito amusing them by telling them stories, their eyes wide open.

"I'm happy that our new lord is this type of person." Saito felt like he was a winner.

Saito hired an old woman from the neighbourhood. Helen, but they called her “Grandmother Helen”, was an elderly woman who was very active for her age. She was taking care of the mansion when Saito and the others were not there.

She was a very wise grandmother and was also very good at housework.

The mansion was very large so Siesta and Grandma Helen were sufficient for the job.

On a table in the bedroom, Saito placed his laptop, watching it every day.

Right now he could not know in what condition his own family was. This was a little frustrating but ... leaving aside that, he thought that his actual life was now very satisfactory.

''Someday, a void mage ... maybe Tiffa, maybe Louise, I do not know but, if they were to remember the spell of "The Gate of the World"… Then I will come back to my city and I’ll let them know how I've been.''

''But what if ... they can’t remember?''

''Somehow, no matter what happens, I'll take it in the best way possible.'' It was mysterious that Saito could not think that was possible…

But… inside of him, there was a feeling, a conviction. ''I may return someday.''

''But even if that time comes ... I can’t pull the life I lead here.''

That's what Saito thought, looking at his side as Louise slept peacefully.

<noinclude>
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| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume16_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume16_Chapter6|Chapter 6]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter5

2013-02-14T02:25:41Z

66.169.192.216:

===Chapter 5: Honeymoon===

On top of Louise's desk was an opened diary. Looking at this diary, Louise couldn't help but sigh.

The diary was written by Louise herself. Although the events that happened during her memory loss about Saito, the sequence of events had already been imprinted in her mind. Filling it back again wouldn't be a difficult task.

The contents detailed all the hardships Louise and Saito went through together, from the war of Albion all the way to Louise getting hurt by '''Burtos (布萊特)''' to protect Saito.

At the same time, the diary included enjoying being teased by Saito, etc. Even though the pages filled with these were as few as the number of clouds on a clear day, they were still an irreplaceable part of this diary.

''Even though I care about Saito so much.....''
Louise thought, gritting her teeth.
''Yet that guy always sticks with that maid.''

"How do you expect me to forgive you!"

Louise raised the diary, then slammed it hard on the desk. Putting her chin on top of the diary, swaying her crossed legs lightly, she closed her eyes.

While feeling the book's hardcover pressing against her face, Louise pondered
''.....If say, Saito secretly read this diary, what would I think?

''It would feel very uncomfortable.....

''This is different from the memories flowed in from Saito, isn't it? But then again, he's not reading it intentionally, just taking a glimpse accidentally.

''Still, this is.....

Louise's eyes landed on the mirror hanging on the wall. In it was the face of a gloomy girl.
''Is it because he always sees me like this, Saito tends to get close with other girls?

Louise forcefully squeezed a smile. Maybe a bit too forceful, because after a while, it gave her cramps.

And so, she continued to use the diary as a pillow..... self-consciously staring outside the window.

By this time, the sky was starting to turn to a faint white.

In the morning, Saito came home with a very distressed look.

Turns out Louise didn't get any sleep from being depressed after having no avail searching for Saito for a day. By the time Saito entered the room, she had dark circles around her eyes.

Before Louise had the chance to stand up from her chair and question Saito where he went last night and what he did, Saito had already slipped passed her expressionless, and snuggled into bed.

"Wait a second"
Louise tugged her own sleeves with force. Seeing Louise's look, Saito's guilty conscience kicked in and he avoided looking her in the eye, fuelling more of Louise's suspicion.
"And?"

"And?"

"Yesterday, who were you with?"

Saito answered with difficulty.
"Ta-Tabitha"

Louise took a deep breath, then raised her hand high.

''As suspected!

''And they were together for the whole time!

Just the point that Louise spent the last night troubled, she had more than enough reasons to condemn Saito.
''Should I just slap him here....
Louise thought.

The words Kirche said a few days ago came to mind,
''Stand in the shoes of others, if you aren't able to see the problems in their point of view, you may unknowingly make them angry.

Just like how she needed time alone every now and then, the same went for Saito. ''Besides, given the current situation, if you had to meet up with someone in secrecy, it'd take time. Plus, being with Tabitha doesn't necessary mean he's having an affair. Perhaps he had something important to discuss.''

''I better confirm it first. It's not too late to get angry afterwards...."

Trembling all over, Louise slowly put down her hand.
"What were you doing with Tabitha"

Saito himself was also distressed. Should he honestly tell Louise everything he discussed with Tabitha last night? Tell her that in the Gallian camps there are people who wish for Tabitha to be Queen and guide them? But if he told Louise directly, the news would spread as quickly as fleeing ants. It was good to keep things quiet right now.

Moreover...... there's this annoying bunch of people from Romalia. Walls have ears. After considering all the dangers Saito decided to play dumb.

"That.... how should I say, we discussed problems related with her future."

Louise pouted and stared at Saito. Looking at those poor dark circles around her eyes, Saito hanged his head apologetically. After enduring the stares from Louise for a moment....

"I get it."
And laid down. Saito was stunned. He was expecting her to scream 'What were you doing!!!' and deliver a kick between his legs, flipping the entire hotel upside down. To his surprise Louise actually believed his words......

"W-what?"

"Uhh, you're pretty amazing...... I expected that I wouldn't be spared without being beaten all up after this."

"Huh? Do you want me to do that?"

"No! Absolutely not! Not a chance!"

".....Between you two, what did you talk about."

Saito bit his lips, displaying a serious face. Seeing Saito's expression, it actually confirmed Louise that the things she was worried about did not happen at all. If otherwise, there would be no way Saito could have made an expression like this.

"Is it something you can't tell me?"

"Sorry......."

"Oh, then never mind."

Just like how she didn't want her diary to be read, but since what's done is done..... Louise thought she might as well believe Saito.

"Then I'm going to sleep. I'm exhausted!"

As if feeling very relieved, Louise laid down on the bed after finishing her sentence. Saito was still wondering if she was still suspicious, and therefore put his hand on Louise's shoulders while taking a peek at her expressions.

"I'm really sorry. But when the time comes, I'll definitely tell you. I promise. I'm not hiding it from you on purpose."

Louise's cheeks almost instantly turned red. The feeling of being valued made Louise excited enough to blush.

However, since she didn't want her happiness to be seen by Saito, Louise shut her eyes tight and crossed her arms as if angry, but at the same time flirting, she said

"Shouldn't you have more secrets? Come on, spit it out honestly. You actually did something with her that would have made me really angry."

Before Saito had a chance to deny, Louise's thoughts came out already.

To Saito, Louise looked just like a pretty goddess, putting him at a loss of words.

"I-isn't it more like I've never done these things?"

"You liar. You must have absolutely done the same things to her as what you did to me in your fantasies."
Trying not to display her pleasure in peacefully enjoying this, Louise blamed him directly.

"I, didn't I already tell you I don't want to?"

"I don't believe you. You're too despicable. You're only a dog with wild fantasies. Just because you look like a person, you think you're a handsome knight? What a joke!"

Inside Saito's head, there is this vague, inexplicable sense of excitement. His body began to be enveloped by passion of an unknown source.

"You insensitive idiot!"

Saito held down Louise's lower chin, attempting to forcefully plant his lips on hers. Louise somehow managed to evade with agile and counter with a bite on Saito's shoulders.

"Ow!"

Louise let go with a "fwah", just to begin her scolds again.

"What's with you? Don't tell me, you done the same thing to many girls in your dreams? Now you're trying to do the same thing to me?"

However there was not a sense of harshness, as if mumbling to herself and whining weakly.

As if trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Hmmph, if you were to do it with other girls you would be overjoyed wouldn't you. If it wasn't me everything would be fine. To you, you don't care who it is. Hmn...."
Once the two's lips connected, Louise became honest with Saito.

"Idiot, you are so adorable, I would never..."
As their lips parted, Saito said. With this, Louise's face turned fiery red

"I'm not adorable...."
Other than this sentence, she could not think of anything else to say.

Saito's mind became blank. In front of this adorable Louise, lots of different things popped into Saito's head. Although these are difficult times, but what comes next..... after everything has settled down, like Guiche said, "buy clothes and jewelry and whatnot"....

"Um, Louise, I, I saved a lot of money"

"I, I know. Are you dumb? Her Highness already told you to take care...."

"Um, after this war ends.... don't we have a lot of things to do?"

"Eh?"
Surprised, Louise raised her head.

"Guiche mentioned something about purchasing a castle.... needs around 10,000 écus. But if it was split with everyone, it should be enough to buy a mansion, those around 2,000 to 3,000 ones by the forests."

"What is this! Don't tell me, you plan to live here permanently?"

"No....sigh, how should I put it. If there was really a method to return, I will still go back after saying goodbyes properly. But, somehow, feels like this world is just like my other home."
Saito said, holding Louise, surrounded by her fragrance.

"....really?"

"Heh, if that weren't true, I would have passed that gate a long time ago"
Saito insisted with force in his voice.

"Then.... if we were to buy a house, that..."
Saito words cut short from embarrassment.

"Wh-what..."

Marria... just as the word was about to come out, Saito stopped. It was still too early to talk about these things.
"Live, live together. Even though we are living together already... at the dormitory, wouldn't it be better if we had more space. We should start considering things afterwards."

At this moment, Louise was about to be drowned from being filled with joy. When she heard Saito suggest living together in the future, she felt as if she was flying in the clouds. The thought of this bright future, none of the hardness endured mattered anymore.

"....fur."

"Fur?"

"It would be great if the furniture were the beautiful ones"

"I understand. Nm. Then let's use just those."

"The furniture shop in Tristain has good taste."
Subsequently, Louise began to plan every minor detail, such as how white walls would be better, how there should be a pond in the gardens, how many horses should be raised and so on.

"Wait, as for maids, we won't need any."

"....Speaking of which, will your father and mother agree with the two of us being together?"
Saito asked worriedly.

"That's alright. After all I'm not a child anymore. Once I've decided, they won't say anything. More importantly..."

"Hmm?"

"It wouldn't matter if it weren't a mansion. Even if it were a small clean cottage I wouldn't mind"

"Why is that?"

"B-because...., if so we will be able to stay closer to each other."
The Louise saying this shyly could not be more adorable.

"Louise....., you, you are so cute..... See, if you try even you can do it."

"What are you saying, I'm not cute at all."

"Very, very cute. Exactly like Lemon-chan."

"Am-am not. Besides, what is Lemon-chan?"

"Such smooth skin, just like Lemon-chan."
Saito was completely obsessed, muttering this while kissing Louise's neck. All the grey matter in his brain turned completely into cotton. Saito had no idea what he was saying anymore.

"Stop it.... I don't like Saito doing these kinds of things..... Wait, ah, don't...."

"Waah, isn't this more Lemon-chan than Lemon-chan. Th-this is perfectly Lemon-chan."

"Awww....although I, I don't really understand, is it really like Lemon-chan?"

"It is. Anyway, try saying 'Lemon-chan is embarrassed'."
This was a line that popped up randomly from a Saito hyped up to a degree too large to measure in light years, but Louise was already too far gone. Whatever came into her ears automatically turned into romantic lines. Or rather, at this stage, Louise didn't care about what was going to happen anymore. In some sense, she herself was even more passionate already than Saito.

"Le-Lemon-chan is embarrassed."

Finally. Along with her reddened cheeks, dreamy eyes, half closed lips, Louise said it, pushing Saito to the very edge.

"Moe! Lemon-chan is incredibly cute! Very adorable! Hurry! Take it all off! These clothes are really in the way, covering up all your attractiveness."
Just as Saito blurted out lines even a dirty director wouldn't say while putting his fingers onto Louise's bedclothes..... from the other side of the wall came knockings from a neighbor.

"Ah!"
Louise and Saito froze hugging each other. The knocks on the wall came again. Louise and Saito stared into each other.

"Wh-what is it?"
Feeling weak all over, Malicorne's voice could be heard from the other side of the wall.

"This is news brought to you by the wisps of the wind."

The two realized that Malicorne seemed to be staying next door. Actually, all Tristain students were living in the same dormitory.

"Oh, yes....?"

"The walls are thin in this dormitory you know. Even Mr. Wisp himself was shocked. Nevertheless, whether it's your crusade, or the walls being too thin, or the pride of a noble, or shame, none of these matter to me. You should be considerate of your neighbors. Otherwise, I would have no choice but to blow you all up with wind magic."

The couple looked at each other and buried their head in embarrassment.

"Moreover."

"Yes?"

"It's nothing like Lemon-chan."

Louise's face turns purple in an instant and started yelling
"It's not my fault! It's Saito, Saito told me to say it!"

"Lemon-chan is embarrassed."

"Stop it!"

After Saito have rapidly calmed down did he realize that what he said seemed a bit inappropriate. Like what Malicorne said, all the Lemon-chan never existed to begin with.

"Lemon-chan is embarrassed."
Malicorne continued to imitate sarcastically. With that kind of tone, Louise began to become furious.

"I said stop it!"

"Lemon-chan is so embarrassed."

"I said stop iiiittttt!"
Louise bellowed while gripping tightly on her wand, starting to chant spells.

"Explosion" sent the wall and Malicorne, who was directly behind it, flying. Saito gaped at the gigantic hole and sighed.

Malicorne stood up from the debris, blood still dripping from his forehead, yet still he cheered happily.
"Ha! Now we're roommates! No more weird stuff for you!"

Saito lightly bumped Louise's forehead and said
"What were you thinking! You destroyed the entire wall! Now we won't even have time to ourselves."

"Shut up! It was you who told me to say iiiiittttttt!"

Sent flying by Louise's second explosion spell, Saito smashed onto the wall on the other side, which gave way to allow Saito enter the next room.

Sleeping in the bed in what used to be that room, Tiffania stared wide-eyed at the Saito flying into her room.

"Wha, what? What happened!?"

Tiffania's bedclothes were merely a thin cloth wrapped around her body. When sleeping, she always wore more spacious and comfortable, traditional elven clothes. It was only because she had to travel with the Romalian army did she store it away.

Just like how Saito saw Siesta in his dreams, dressed revealingly by wrapping herself in a long cloth, this made Saito turn red. ''This is completely against the rules, using only a thin cloth to shield such big breasts.''

"Me-melon-chan...."
Saito uncontrollably reached out his hand.

Tiffania shrunk away from him by twirling out of his reach.

"Why am I Lemon-chan while Tiffania is Melon-channnnnnn!"
Mixed emotions of shame and anger, Louise pounced on Saito and stomped all over his back. Still uncertain of the events going on around her, Tiffania buried her head in fear.

While despising the gasping Saito, Louise sat down softly and looked at the newly formed 4-people bedroom, then sighed.

Because of Louise throwing tantrums all over the bed, Saito was ultimately forced to sleep in the corridors. Still better than being bitten everytime he tried to get in. Yawning tiredly, Saito decided to come down to the bar for an early breakfast.

Everyone was there eating. The just-awoken Tiffania already changed into a new set of clothes and was taking tiny bites of some bread. Probably due to Malicorne's announcement, seeing Saito come in, the Ondine Water Spirit knights began to giggle with suspicious intentions.

"Morning, Lemon-chan."

Saito sat down exhausted, supporting his head with his arm.

"Lemon-chan, are you planning to strike today as well?"
Guiche nudged Saito softly with his elbow.

"We're only 3,000 écus short from a castle! A castle, Lemon-chan!"
Reinard whooped with glee.

"Stop calling me Lemon-chan!"
Saito complained with an annoyed face.

Because after hearing Tabitha's message, their mood to fight wasn't really there. Although there were some stupid duels across a river right now, under the peaceful environment all sorts of conspiracies were brewing.

Just like what they experienced at Albion, before a bloody war began, they would first try to defeat King Joseph himself.... as for how exactly they would do it, a plan was still yet to be made.

Anyhow, the end to the war didn't seem like it was going to come anytime soon. Most probably Romalia would push forward with the idea of Crusade.

In the middle of conflicts of countries, the power of Gandálfr was nothing more than how a stone is used to construct a castle. Barely worthy of notice.

The only person reliable right now was Henrietta, who was making her trip back to her country. There was no contact from her so far, so no one had any idea how she was doing.

''How exactly should this time be spent.....''
Saito pondered while drinking juice lazily.....

"Hey, Saito"
An energetic voice called out.

Turning around, Julio appeared in front of them. Since arriving at Carcassonne, he had disappeared without a trace, conducting his own suspicious business....

The memory of almost meeting death because of Julio immediately resurfaced, giving Saito a spur of anger. The sudden desire to beat him up fought desperately to control his mind, but was eventually kept under control.

''It'd be a bad idea to touch this guy, he's even more deadly than the Gallian king. Plus, with Henrietta not around, it would be best not to make any more trouble.''

The Water Spirit Ondine Knights noticed the murderous tension between Saito and Julio and stopped talking.

They may have sensed that something happened between Saito and Julio, but Saito wouldn't bother to tell them anyway, so they had pretty much no idea what was going on.

....Determining from Saito's murderous eyes, obviously something ended very badly between the two of them. Moreover, they didn't like Julio much to begin with, so they all stood up looking very solemn.

"What brings you here today, Priest?"

Julio waved his hand and shook his head
"It's nothing as serious as you think. It must have been hard work, everyone. I also heard news on how everyone has been active at the sandbanks, delivering a huge blow to their morale. Therefore, the Pope his highness entrusted me to specially hand this to you."

Julio drew out a small pouch from a parcel he was carrying with him and laid it on the table. Golden coins from the era of the last Romalian pope made clinking sounds from colliding against each other.
"Please accept this, it is a blessing from God."

The knights' eyes were dazzled by the bright golden shine of the coins, but they quickly resumed a solemn expression.
"We don't need some charity. We can make money from our own salary."

Hearing Reinard say so, Julio's mouth turned into a smirk
"Please don't refuse it. More money can never be a burden."

Julio then swiftly turned to Saito
".....now, I have something to talk to you about."

"What."

"Saying it here would be kind of..... could we talk about it outside?"

Saito's eyes surveyed the room while standing up. The Ondine Knights simultaneously stood forward, blocking the path between Julio and Saito.

"I'm sorry, I'll have to borrow your co-captain for a while....."

"We are the Ondine Knights, you know?"
Guiche started, but Saito stopped him.
"It's alright."

Saito was surprised when, after heading outside, Julio bowed towards him.
"I don't really know how to put it.... but I'm really sorry for what happened before."

Not really catching up to the situation, Saito scratched his head sheepishly.

What the heck?

This guy... would he ever apologize and bow towards someone? Saito kept a close eye on Julio. When Julio finally lifted his head, the usual smile that looked down on other people was gone, his eyes sparkling.

The tension surrounding them softened to a point where it seemed it would be easily shattered by a single touch, giving anyone a feel of how his usual attitude was all an act, whereas this is the real Julio.

".....You tried to kill me. You really think we'd be fine after a simple apology?"

"Just like how you would do anything to protect the people important to you, when it comes to reclaiming the Holy lands, we are the same as you."

"The Holy lands is just another piece of land, don't put the two things together."

"It's not just any piece of land, it holds the future of all the people of Halkeginia."
Julio's voice sounded ridiculously genuine.

"People? Isn't it just for religion?"

"You have completely misunderstood our religion. To all believers, the idea of anything for God eventually ends up the same as being for us."

As if overwhelmed by a mysterious charm, Saito felt it hard to breathe. The environment was relaxed to a degree far surpassing one when someone has successfully convinced another person to solve some problems.

"Well, I know you people are serious about it, but like I said, I won't do anything for the cause of a 'Crusade'. I have my own beliefs in my own Gods."
Originally planning to fake an act, things took an unexpected turn and Saito ended up blurting out everything.

"If you dare do anything to Louise or me again...."
Saito glared at Julio with the most condemning face he could come up with.

"If so, you can stab all you want into my chest. Oh, but I will resist, just so you know."

"You...."

"As long as you are in this world, we will never do anything to you. Right now you are Romalia's most important shield."

"Let me be honest. I will only help you until the defeat of Gallia. We'll have nothing to do with each other afterwards."

Julio smiled.

"Will do."

"You're giving up too easily."

"I have confidence in swaying you guys as long as I can talk to you."

''Cunning bastard'', Saito thought. Originally trying to kill Saito with a gun pointed at him, yet now he's saying these surprising things...

"So, we're good?"
Julio reached out his hand. Saito considered for a moment, then snorted.
"Looks like is still too early to shake hands"

Julio was about to say something.... when something brushed across Saito's face.

"Ow!"

Speeding before their eyes was an owl. It swiftly landed on Julio's shoulders, shaking its feathers.

"Oh, if it isn't Nero? Welcome back."

"What's that?"

"It's an owl I raised. Oh, that's bad; you're bleeding."
Julio reached for a handkerchief in his pocket and dabbed it on Saito's face. Looks like the owl's talons scratched Saito's face.

"No thanks, it'll stop on its own."

"Oh?" Julio commented, storing the handkerchief away.

"How long are you planning to continue this stand off with Gallia?"
Saito asked. Julio laid out both his hands and shrugged.
"Who knows. From what I see, the wind is about to blow again though."

Embarrassed to the degree of fainting, Louise ended up never leaving her bed. While lying on the bed, she imagined all sorts of things. The more she imagined, the happier she became..... Lemon-chan slowly turned into nothing, the words Saito said today of "living togther" chimed again in her head, and all was soon forgiven.

Louise wrapped herself in the quilt and rolled around for a while, then suddenly jumped off the bed and began writing in her diary.

[[Image:ZnT15-149.jpg|thumb]]

It was an interior design of the house for both of them.

"This will be the bedroom, this is the guest room. But this is the dining room, we might hold balls occasionally, so we need a hall. This should be the kitchen, housing around 10 chefs. Anything less than that would be pointless."

The feather pen scratched across the paper, Louise drawing a floor plan of the mansion. Whichever way you look at it, it seemed more like a mighty castle than a comfortable home.

Louise contemplated the castle a while, then started to seriously consider how to turn their "lovenest" into something similar.

"Oh, one thing, we don't need maids."

Squinting her eyes, as soon as the note "No maids" was jotted down, Saito came back. Louise hurriedly shut her diary, yet Saito paid no attention nor attempted to greet her and sat down in deep thought.

"What's wrong?"
She asked.

"Oh, erm, I just had a talk with Julio"

"....about?"
Louise's face became serious as well. With whispers, Saito reported everything discussed in their conversation to Louise.

"In short, Romalia seems to sense danger in the current situation. Somethings feels fishy."

Louise placed her hands on her hips and also sank into deep thought.

Despite their efforts in thought, they still had no idea what exactly Romalia was planning. Mixed with a sigh, Saito said
"Really, what's with the Holy lands?"

"It's the lands where founder Brimir came to the world."

"Is something there?"

"Dunno.... all we know is that its location is somewhere around the centre of the desert..... througout the long history of Halkenia, we've never successfully seized it back from the hands of the elves, so we have no idea what exactly lies there. Perhaps a castle our Founder lived in or something."

"Can't believe that kind of unfamiliar land would be the Holy lands. Why is it so important?"

"Can't help it. We were only taught that it is the most important thing in the world."

Saito sprawled on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Unconsiously, the visions from his "dream" came to mind again.

"Was it real?"

"Hmm? You mean that an elf was the first Gandálfr?.... who knows, perhaps it's just your fantasties? You know how adept you are at that."

"That's right, I should ask Derflinger."

Saito drew Derflinger out of its sheath. He planned to ask him from the start, but the matter was soon forgotten due to other matters.

"Hey, legendary sword."

"Hey partner. Even if you were to complain about how lonely you are, no one would listen."

"Say, I had a dream of being together with founder Brimir."

"Oh, I remember you said something like that."

"Were those things real? Or was it some sort of hallucinations due to being stressed out?"

"It's real."

Hearing this, Saito and Louise couldn't help but widen their eyes.

"The runes store memories which made you have that dream, just like appearing in a show."

"Then founder Brimir's familiar truly was an elf? Wouldn't it become a great historical discovery?! Why did you never tell us about it?"
Louise cried out in surprise.

"Well, you never asked. Besides, I myself forgot. Now that you speak of it, I'm starting to remember, oh right, that's what happened...."

"Then tell us everything you remember!"

"Impossible... my memories are all in fragments, such as what breakfast they ate and all kinds of boring pointless stuff. On the other hand, key points, not so much. Randomly telling you that Brimir didn't like onions would be stupid."

"Brimir said his name was '''尼達貝利魯'''...."

"Probably a name he used when younger. He did go through a lot, you know."

"Saito, was there anything valuable in that dream?"
Louise stretched her neck like a giraffe.

"Hmmm...., elven women are terrifying."

".....ohhh, so Tiffania really is just an exception....."

"No, I don't mean like that. When she's angry, she calls founder Brimir a barbarian, going so far as using violence, just like Louise...."

"What do you mean? You really remember pointless stuff, don't you..."
Louise's curiosity quickly turned into displeasure.

"Aww, those were nice times. Sasha, a noble elf with long ears in the middle of the desert...."

"Right right, that's the name, but I don't recall seeing you."

"I was still yet to be born when Brimir was still using that name, but Sasha and I were great partners, going all over the world..., she was an honest and direct kid, though sometimes too focused on winning. She had quite a bit of pride in her, but at the same time cried a lot...."
Derflinger seemed to be mesmerized in the past long forgotten...

"What kind of adventures did you have?"
Louise came close to Derflinger with deep interest. Undoubtedly everyone would be interested when it came to things about Brimir.

"Like I said, I don't remember actual details."
Derflinger suddenly talked with a lonely tone.
"But then, just...., something sad undeniably happened."
And stayed silent afterwards.

"Don't harass Derflinger."
Saito lightly scolded Louise. The latter displayed a shocked expression.
"What's with you! Brimir summoning an elven familiar means that the relationship between Brimir and elves were great, we have no reason to be hostile against elves!"

"Oh."

"Really, you're so slow!"
Louise raised her finger in glee.

"But then again, founder Brimir did say something about seizing land back from the hands of the heretic elves or something similar, right?"

"Or so it's said, but if we understood what exactly caused the demise of the relationship between founder Brimir and elves, then we would have no reason to open war against them, would we?"

"Something so distant, how are we supposed to...."

"We have this talking sword; we have the dreams you had. It won't be impossible if you try."
Louise said, determined. It may seem easy with words, but this was just as hard as solving the true meaning of ancient mythologies; it was not something that could be done in an instant.

Still, Saito felt how touching a determined Louise could be. ''The justice she follows is not used to lecture others, but to help her make decisions.'' Filled with admiration, Saito nodded towards Louise
"That's right... let's work hard to do this."

"This is an amazing card we drew by chance. If we use it carefully, we may even manage to crush the entire Crusade!"

Saito hurriedly covered Louise's mouth.
"Idiot, you're too loud."

"R-right."

An eavesdropping Romalian spy could be just next door.

"....anyways, as soon as the Queen her highness comes back we'll tell her. This will definitely make her happy."

<noinclude>
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| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter4|Chapter 4]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter6|Chapter 6]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4

2013-02-14T01:12:35Z

66.169.192.216:

===Chapter 4: The Jewel of Fire===

The Capital city of Gallia, Lutece.

As of now...... the betrayal of the southern vassals have triggered the current royalties and citizens to flee massively, similar to the disturbance at Albion not long ago.

Suddenly titled as an "enemy of God" by the Romalia Church, this furthermore escalates the confusion of Gallian citizens. For consecutive days, strict believers of Brimir have gathered themselves at the church of Lutece, praying for a miracle.

Distancing themselves from the Gallian King Joseph day by day, the priests and preachers, (seeing not a single trace of belief in the Gallian King himself), between the factions Gallian and Romalia, cautiously make sure that their words are not biased to either side, taking a completely neutral stand in this battle.

A week since Romalia's invasion, Lutece, once delicate to every inch, has already been submerged with a dark, "end of the world" scent.

The elite Knights of the Eastern Roses' defiance and their purge...... the frightening side of these news and their despise towards foreign armies are the only things keeping most of its original army still fighting for King Joseph..... but the morale is at an unprecedented low.

Gallia's defeat could be foreseen by any person. Everyone have developed a genuine feeling of repulsion towards a rule under Romalia, the country about to conquer these territories.

To prove themselves not "heretics", rich merchants all, acting on their own consciousness, transport carriage-full of gold and valuables to this church, the amount of "storage" representing the amount of devotion.

Consisting of plebeian class, the aristocracy and the court, Gallians attempted seek a small hope of survival for this crumbling country, and became more and more lively with the start of each day.

Yet, whenever these people are at the countryside of Lutece, at the place of Palace of Versailles...... Every glance at the ruins of the collapsed Grand Troyes courts, once containing beautiful clear sky blue walls, they can't help but feel the reality that all their work is for naught.

The original owner of the collapsed Grand Troyes courts, have already moved to a spot east of the main palace, the Concierge. As soon as Gallia has been declared as "enemy of God", the visiting ambassadors or councilors all fled to their own countries like rats fleeing a building on fire. Naturally, as of now there won't be any more guests coming forth, and eventually settled down at this place.

Sitting on the bed that had replaced the dining hall's long dining table, Joseph quietly gazed at an old chest on the floor. A smile that had no connections with the disturbance outside surfaced between his tidy mustache.

That chest awakened out warm memories in him.

Memories of childhood...... in the middle of the broad palace, a five-year-old Charles and the eight-year-old Joseph were playing a game of hide-and-seek.

Joseph hid in this place after turning the place upside-down with effort. This was a popular chest among the commoners. Although it may not seem to have enough size to fit in a person, the storage space was actually expanded up to 3 times its original size through magic. It was a one-of-its-kind magical tool.

Full of belief that he would not be found if he hid here, he made an exaggerated claim to his little brother. In the end....."pop", the lid to the chest was opened, with Charles poking his head inside.

"I've found you, brother."

"You've actually found this place, wow."

"Heheh, I used 'detection' magic, then this placed started shining. Turns out this thing is a magical item."

"You've already learned how to use 'detection'? Unbelievable."

Charles showed a pleased face.

Softly, Joseph mumbled.
"If there were any chance, I'd like to see your regretting face even just once. If that were possible, then none of these ridiculous disturbances would have happened. Take a look; your favorite Grand Troyes court has already vanished. Your beloved Lutece is already situated as if it were in the fiery ovens of hell. Though said, these are all my work of art. I will not be swayed so easily. The betrayal of half a country does seem kind of sad, but this does not affect me at all. Actually, other than 'whatever,' I don't have any particular thoughts."

Then Joseph shook his head with a "Hmm..."
"Anyways I'll first turn those guys to ashes. Half a country will be sent to your side soon. Just sit tight and wait, Charles."

Joseph sighed.
"Feels like I've become very troublesome. Originally I thought I only had to take each street, each country, and destroy them one by one.... on second thought, this is actually a very tough task. It'd be better to turn them all to ashes. Of course, this Gallia would be included as well. So sit tight and build your own kingdom up there, Charles."

As he reached this point, the large doors were suddenly slammed open violently.

"Father"

Walking with wide steps, was his own daughter, princess Isabella. Long blue hair draped over her shoulders, a sign of royalty. Her face, which usually sported an ominous smile, had never been paler.

"What in the world happened? Hearing Romalia's announcement, I had to rush back immediately from my trip at Albion. And when I come back, the entire city is a mess! I also heard that half of the country has betrayed you."

"So what?"
Joseph replied, annoyed.

".....'So what' you say? It's all because of you allying with the elves that things turned out like this. Now we've become Halkenia's public enemy, haven't we?"

"It is my freedom to ally myself with anyone I like. Perhaps those long ears, compared to us Brimir believers, have a more complicated way of thinking. Never mind, none of that matters."

Isabella was scared of her father's attitude, she discovered unexpectedly.

Until now, although she had once thought there was something weird about her father... today was her first day to actually experience the "other side" of her father.

Isabella, as far as her memories served, seldom talked with her father. After her mother passed away, the distance between them lengthened even more.

Before Isabella had a chance to find anything out of place, she had already grown up.

Their status of royalty, as King and princess, was valued much more than as family.

The growing Isabella was surrounded by tons of maids, butlers, playmates, so she never had much loneliness in her childhood.

Of course, once in a while, there was a desire to be with her family, but she would always comfort herself with the reason that "father is busy with his work."

So in the end, other than showing up for the public every now and then, they barely had any time to see each other.

His attitude, the title of "incompetent king", rumors of murdering her uncle Harold.... these things had slowly turned unimportant to Isabella. No matter what she desired, Joseph would always satisfy her needs.

But now..... different from his usual, varying, difficult to approach attitude, facing him directly made Isabella tremble.

Standing in front of her was a completely unfamiliar person.

Even so, Isabella drew out her courage and cried out
"F-father, I do not understand at all! Isn't the country about to collapse! What would happen to me!"

"Who knows. If you don't like it then leave this country."

Violently trembling, Isabella's teeth chattered loudly.
"....what are you thinking right now, father?"

"Disappear from my sight. Looking at you feels like staring at myself, urg."

Unable to stand the frighteningly deep low voice's words, Isabella quickly dashed out of her father's bedroom.

In replacement, with completely black hair, Sheffield appeared.

"Myoznitnirn?"

"Bidashal has a message for you. Says that 'it' is almost complete."

Joseph smiled lightly, and stood up.

Joseph and Myoznitnirn walked slowly towards the church deeper into the palace Versailles.

Facing the master and familiar, who never brought anyone else with them, the knights guarding Versailles saluted and then bowed.

Both their hands were shaking, but not because of the fact that their lord could use magic to bury traitors, together with the entire Grand Troyes to his pleasure.

No, it was because... of the "research" going on brazenly in the middle of the palace and its crucial "researcher," for the purpose of suppressing the rebellion at the port of San Marin.

Since the start of said research, which would be soon be experimented on San Marin, a rumor began to spread among the knights and army.

"There are elves supporting Joseph."

At Romalia, announcing a crusade because of that reason was 'just an excuse' to most of Versailles's nobles and soldiers. Few others knew otherwise.....

The guards here realized that, contrary to popular belief, that was not an excuse.

Using the same pace as ever, Joseph, and his female officer dressed black like a crow from top to bottom strolled..... their destination was Versailles's church, which was also the lab for the elves' frightening research.

The differently dressed man who called himself Bidashal didn't even attempt to hide his long ears anymore. Those kind of conversations continued to spread out in the city in clandestine.

"Romalia is taking us as an 'enemy of God', you really can't do anything about it. More unbelievable is our country allying with heretics..... feels like we're in a nightmare."
The knight sighed after watching Joseph leave. He, was exactly one of those who saw Castlemont of the Eastern Roses' betrayal. The relatively older knight next to him was also one of the first to be alerted after those events.

"Perhaps that night, I should have followed Castlemont and left."

"Why would you think like that?"
The old knight asked his student with a soothing voice.

"If so, at least we won't be standing up against God and Founder. Compared to our founder, our lord seems to be much more interested in the elves than the church."

"It's still not too late. Like the southern vassals, just go and join the crusade."

"If you grant me permission......"
The young knight looked towards the older one. Their conversation was like one between a father and child. Letting out a sigh, the old knight said
"Without land or the title of a baron, people like me who live only on our salary... what can we do after we leave the kingdom?"

That is very true of most nobles of the Gallian army as well. With such giant events happening within their country's own borders, it was impossible to have no complaints at all. However, all of them relied on their country. Even if they were to join the crusade, there was no one in Romalia who could guarantee their status. Those of lower status may even be interrogated with torture for being a heretic.

Similarly a noble, but those with land and actual power, unlike military men like them, their standing are completely different.

Recalling the day he was knighted, the old aristocrat scrunched his eyes and said
"Listen well. Swearing loyalty is nothing but just that. You won't have peace anyhow. We, in meaning, were a part of this kingdom since a long time ago."

"Yes."
The young knight replied without any signs of grimace.

"Like always, just focus on guarding this place. In reality, our existence is nothing more than seaweed on the bottom of a ship. But... seaweed won't dry out. No matter if the ship is sailing smoothly, or is sinking right now, the seaweed will always be attached to this ship."

The old knight looked far away.

"Frandal, everything will be fine as long as you do your part quietly. That's how I survived from the battlefields."

While walking, Myoznitnirn gave Joseph a report of everything that happened the past week.

"About not finding Castlemont's dead body.... it seems like he's still alive. Most likely mixed in with the army placed by the river Lelion."

"Is that so."

"He may try and contact Charlotte. I believe we should take action as soon as possible....."

Joseph shook his head
"There's no need."

"Why?"

"Because despair has the greatest effect when you're drowned in hope. Let those guys dreaming 'maybe bringing me down' die with their hopes. I really admire them for never being able to feel this amount of despair before."
Those were the thoughts from the deepest parts of his mind.

"Will do."
Afterwards, Myoznitnirn took half a step backwards, and bowed deeply.
".....I'm deeply sorry. After losing ten 'Jörmungandr'..... then not being able to control the riot at San Marin."
Her voice sounded really apologetic.

"About this matter, I've already heard. Don't mention it anymore."

".....But, please give me your punishments."

"Honestly, even if I wanted to punish you, I can't think of any. I gave my orders, you failed. Afterwards, half the country rebelled. It's just that simple. How do both things relate."

"Don't you feel angry?"

"Angry? Me? If I had an emotion called anger, maybe I wouldn't be thinking about turn the entire world into ashes right now."
Joseph said in a self-mocking tone.

"Then..... I hope you can listen to me privately. In reality, I am very anxious."
As soon as Myoznitnirn finished, she blushed. Describing the reason for her anxiousness... voicing her inner thoughts in public felt unbearable.

"Anxious? You? Now that's something unusual."

"Yes.....that, because I saw it..... a metal war chariot with a fire power never heard of. Now I'm extremely confused. Like previous reports, a cannon excellent in every field possible brought down our Jörmungandr one after another. Putting also that miraculously flying ship into consideration, the enemy may have large amounts of weaponry comparable with elven technology. This point is undeniable."

"Those weapons, don't they originate from where you came from, the 'Orient'?"

"No"
Myoznitnirn shook her head.
"We people of the Orient, although we did develop our own technology to protect ourselves against the elves, merely created an imitation of elven technology."

"I hear it's relatively powerful."

"Relatively...... can't really say for sure. I am, after all, nothing more than a priest's daughter."

"Oh, I remember something like that."
Losing interest, Joseph turned back and looked forward again.

"Your highness, don't you love Miss Isabella?"
Remembering Joseph's attitude previously, Sheffield asked her master.

"Isabella? How's could I. 'There is not a father in the world that doesn't love his daughter.' To me, this phrase is nothing but a praise for fathers. I don't see anything special between our relationship. After all, there are plenty of other parents in this world who don't love their children."

"Suppose I actually loved her...."
Joseph wondered with a dull tone
"Un, I would definitely take care of her first. But I don't think she's a human that worthy to begin with. Every time I see her face I find traces of myself, so disgust always comes out first."

"No matter what she does, just don't obstruct your work. Is that it?"

"I guess that's pretty much it."

Sheffield hanged her head at the ground sadly. Joseph, who was walking alongside with her, didn't even bother to take notice.

Flowers blossomed on both sides of the road. After multiple stone paved walkways, a church with a shining sacred object on top of its pointed tower came into their sights. In front of the church, not a single guard could be seen. It was due to the person conducting experiments inside not needing any to begin with. These people called elves, since ancient times they had long formed a contract with the spirits of the earth. The energy of the ground could be called the most powerful existence ever.

Joseph and Myoznitnirn just stepped into the church, yet already a bone chilling wind welcomed them. Even though it was the beginning of summer, and this wacky wind didn't seem like a product of the building structure itself either.

Joseph lightly sneezed.

"Have you already noticed?"
Myoznitnirn asked.

"Unn, although it's not as apparent to me as to you. Looks like I really am a 'bearer of the void'. Feeling the true power of the enemy, my body is shaking at such a magnitude."

Deep inside the church, Myoznitnirn pulled open the veil behind the altar. What it was hiding was a flight of stairs leading downwards.

It used to lead to the storage room of the church, but not anymore. From the look of the faint smoke coming out, it was as if there was a fire going on below.

Every step down the flight of stairs, the amount of smoke became denser.

Around halfway down, one could already see a fierce burning fire deep down. Loud crackling sounds echoed throughout the tunnel, more painful to the ears with every step taken.

It came from a large bonfire fueling on oversized logs.

Its sides, of length around 3 mails, formed a huge square-shaped pile of wood.

There were a total of four piles like this.

One placed at each corner of the room, each one of them spouting black smoke. From a crudely made hole in the wall, large amounts of air continuously poured in, making sounds like a trumpet.

More incredible was that despite the enormous amount of fire generated, there was not an inch in the basement that could be called hot. On the contrary, it was as if one was in mid-winter.

"Although I have heard most of it before, it is still one heck of a sight."

"By absorbing the heat around it, formed by condensing. The thing called the jewel of fire....."

The inexplicable reason for the contradicting sights and temperature had been revealed. A faint smile floated on Myoznitnirn's face.

In the exact center of the room, there was a small sized altar. In front of the altar, with long, almost transparent, golden hair, the elf had his hands raised high, completely focused of chanting spells.

It was the figure of Bidashal.

"''O'Flames. O'Flames by thee contract, heed my words and reside here''"

Chanting, the so called 'elemental' magic, in Bidashal's hands, laid a fist sized red gem.
<center>[[Image:ZnT15-119.jpg|thumb|"......"]]</center>
Red, or more accurately, a brilliant glow came from the flame-like interiors of the transparent gem.

Realizing Joseph walking close, Bidashal raised his head.

"I heard it's already done."

"I merely nodded my head when that woman asked 'Is it ready to a degree that can be used?'. There's no definite concept to define the completion of 'the jewel of fire'. It's a gem that condenses the power of fire. Regardless of size, the gem is just that. Finished or not, that will depend on your judgements."

After hearing his words, Joseph laughed loudly.

"Elves really are a different kind! These sort of things, just make your own sensible judgements."

"My kin abhors ambiguity."
Bidashal winced his eyes, staring straight down at Joseph. A natural jewel of fire is made from the natural energy underground. A level so deep that it would be impossible for humans to reach. To the elves, even if they were to dig such a hole, its gain would not be nearly enough to cover its losses.

To control the powers of the fire requires immense skill, definitely out of a human's capability, explaining how only a tiny population in Halkeginia know of its existence. Unfortunately, right beside Joseph..... the mysterious lady called Myoznitnirn was part of that tiny population, and had raised Joseph's interest in it.

"And how do you plan to use it?"

"Jewel of wind is a gem containing the powers of wind..... Jewel of fire is a gem containing the powers of fire, no?"

Even in the elven populations, only a few highly regarded powerful users had the ability to produce one. Bidashal was one of those few.

"Simply said, yes. I do not believe you nobles can correctly understand the concept anyway."

"Concept or whatever, the result is everything. Then, this small little stone... how many acres of land can it turn into ashes?"

Bidashal frowned hard. From Joseph's words he had a fair concept of Joseph's intention. For the elves, the jewel of fire was only a tool for warming the streets in the winter, or illuminating the streets at night...... using it for destruction, they'd never dared think about it.

"According to me..... if you release all the stored energy instantaneously..... in terms of your units, a 10 square miles, no, if it's this size, everything within 20 square miles will not be spared. But, how do you plan to release it? Against something powerful enough to seal this amount of energy, it's impossible to just unlock it."

"Using your 'void', you should be able to do it, no? Myoznitnirn?"

Myoznitnirn smiled even more.
"Affirmative."

Hearing this, Bidashal's face lost color.
"Using void magic? You? How, possible.... you?"

"What, you never knew?"

"How could, no, is it true? You are the bearer of this evil power? How could it....."
Bidashal shook his head in disbelief.

"Who else you did you think would be more worthy of being Gallia's King?"

"At least I never thought it would be you. This is such a coincidence."

"Why would you say that? I never intended to hide anything from you."

"I completely don't understand what you're thinking. Are humans creatures at all? And yet you stand in front of me like nothing! To you guys, isn't this the final blow? What you're doing right now, isn't it, what you call, 'revealing your final card' to your enemies?"
Feeling disgust for the first time in his life, Bidashal gave Joseph a look of hatred.

"Is that so. So, what do you plan to do after you know? Kill me? You can bury the man capable of 'reviving the void', your worst nightmares, in your own hands. Or, do you continue to insist what you said 'I don't like wars' that kind of thing?"
Joseph said, as if gleeful from the bottom of his heart. Bidashal gave expressions of regret.

".....It will only cause a new demon to revive."

"Oh, interesting. Do you mean there will be something else to replace me after I die?"

"....It's about time for that to happen. If it's you, you can stop it."

"Great. Like those Romalia idiots, in addition now we have an even more horrible nightmare. Therefore you must protect me with all your power, follow my words."
Joseph patted Bidashal's shoulders sarcastically.

"Maybe I will turn out to be the person who understands elves most."

"This is not something to 'understand'."
Bidashal said, trying to control his raged voice.

"Different point of views. Let me answer your question just now. But, seeing how smart you are, I'm sure you already know how I'm going to use this gem."

Bidashal understood everything in an instant.
"Are you serious!?!? You. There will not be a single strand of grass, a single bug left. This is not even a metaphor! Can you do that kind of thing to your own kind?"

"If it's me, of course."

"Demon!"

"I wonder who of us is the real demon? The person who made this terrible terrible crystal, who was that person? And from where again? No matter how much you point at me, you know that I won't change my mind. Come back to your senses. You don't care how many I kill anyway, my dear elf."

Bidashal's eyes showed signs of fury. To an elf that seldomly shows any emotions at all, this was a very rare occasion.
"I shouldn't have come here after all."

"No, you shouldn't have. That way you would've never noticed the demon inside yourself. But relax, bows and bullets have done no wrong. To do good or evil is up to the free will of the user. Just look at things simply like that."

Joseph left Bidashal's side.

"Make 2 or 3 more of things like that. Relax. You are not going to be the person who gets to use it.

I am."

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| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter5|Chapter 5]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume15 Chapter4

2013-02-14T01:10:06Z

66.169.192.216: /* Chapter 4: The Jewel of Fire */

===Chapter 4: The Jewel of Fire===

The Capital city of Gallia, Lutece.

As of now...... the betrayal of the southern vassals have triggered the current royalties and citizens to flee massively, similar to the disturbance at Albion not long ago.

Suddenly titled as an "enemy of God" by the Romalia Church, this furthermore escalates the confusion of Gallian citizens. For consecutive days, strict believers of Brimir have gathered themselves at the church of Lutece, praying for a miracle.

Distancing themselves from the Gallian King Joseph day by day, the priests and preachers, (seeing not a single trace of belief in the Gallian King himself), between the factions Gallian and Romalia, cautiously make sure that their words are not biased to either side, taking a completely neutral stand in this battle.

A week since Romalia's invasion, Lutece, once delicate to every inch, has already been submerged with a dark, "end of the world" scent.

The elite Knights of the Eastern Roses' defiance and their purge...... the frightening side of these news and their despise towards foreign armies are the only things keeping most of its original army still fighting for King Joseph..... but the morale is at an unprecedented low.

Gallia's defeat could be foreseen by any person. Everyone have developed a genuine feeling of repulsion towards a rule under Romalia, the country about to conquer these territories.

To prove themselves not "heretics", rich merchants all, acting on their own consciousness, transport carriage-full of gold and valuables to this church, the amount of "storage" representing the amount of devotion.

Consisting of plebeian class, the aristocracy and the court, Gallians attempted seek a small hope of survival for this crumbling country, and became more and more lively with the start of each day.

Yet, whenever these people are at the countryside of Lutece, at the place of Palace of Versailles...... Every glance at the ruins of the collapsed Grand Troyes courts, once containing beautiful clear sky blue walls, they can't help but feel the reality that all their work is for naught.

The original owner of the collapsed Grand Troyes courts, have already moved to a spot east of the main palace, the Concierge. As soon as Gallia has been declared as "enemy of God", the visiting ambassadors or councilors all fled to their own countries like rats fleeing a building on fire. Naturally, as of now there won't be any more guests coming forth, and eventually settled down at this place.

Sitting on the bed that had replaced the dining hall's long dining table, Joseph quietly gazed at an old chest on the floor. A smile that had no connections with the disturbance outside surfaced between his tidy mustache.

That chest awakened out warm memories in him.

Memories of childhood...... in the middle of the broad palace, a five-year-old Charles and the eight-year-old Joseph were playing a game of hide-and-seek.

Joseph hid in this place after turning the place upside-down with effort. This was a popular chest among the commoners. Although it may not seem to have enough size to fit in a person, the storage space was actually expanded up to 3 times its original size through magic. It was a one-of-its-kind magical tool.

Full of belief that he would not be found if he hid here, he made an exaggerated claim to his little brother. In the end....."pop", the lid to the chest was opened, with Charles poking his head inside.

"I've found you, brother."

"You've actually found this place, wow."

"Heheh, I used 'detection' magic, then this placed started shining. Turns out this thing is a magical item."

"You've already learned how to use 'detection'? Unbelievable."

Charles showed a pleased face.

Softly, Joseph mumbled.
"If there were any chance, I'd like to see your regretting face even just once. If that were possible, then none of these ridiculous disturbances would have happened. Take a look; your favorite Grand Troyes court has already vanished. Your beloved Lutece is already situated as if it were in the fiery ovens of hell. Though said, these are all my work of art. I will not be swayed so easily. The betrayal of half a country does seem kind of sad, but this does not affect me at all. Actually, other than 'whatever,' I don't have any particular thoughts."

Then Joseph shook his head with a "Hmm..."
"Anyways I'll first turn those guys to ashes. Half a country will be sent to your side soon. Just sit tight and wait, Charles."

Joseph sighed.
"Feels like I've become very troublesome. Originally I thought I only had to take each street, each country, and destroy them one by one.... on second thought, this is actually a very tough task. It'd be better to turn them all to ashes. Of course, this Gallia would be included as well. So sit tight and build your own kingdom up there, Charles."

As he reached this point, the large doors were suddenly slammed open violently.

"Father"

Walking with wide steps, was his own daughter, princess Elisabeth. Long blue hair draped over her shoulders, a sign of royalty. Her face, which usually sported an ominous smile, had never been paler.

"What in the world happened? Hearing Romalia's announcement, I had to rush back immediately from my trip at Albion. And when I come back, the entire city is a mess! I also heard that half of the country has betrayed you."

"So what?"
Joseph replied, annoyed.

".....'So what' you say? It's all because of you allying with the elves that things turned out like this. Now we've become Halkenia's public enemy, haven't we?"

"It is my freedom to ally myself with anyone I like. Perhaps those long ears, compared to us Brimir believers, have a more complicated way of thinking. Never mind, none of that matters."

Elisabeth was scared of her father's attitude, she discovered unexpectedly.

Until now, although she had once thought there was something weird about her father... today was her first day to actually experience the "other side" of her father.

Elisabeth, as far as her memories served, seldom talked with her father. After her mother passed away, the distance between them lengthened even more.

Before Elisabeth had a chance to find anything out of place, she had already grown up.

Their status of royalty, as King and princess, was valued much more than as family.

The growing Elisabeth was surrounded by tons of maids, butlers, playmates, so she never had much loneliness in her childhood.

Of course, once in a while, there was a desire to be with her family, but she would always comfort herself with the reason that "father is busy with his work."

So in the end, other than showing up for the public every now and then, they barely had any time to see each other.

His attitude, the title of "incompetent king", rumors of murdering her uncle Harold.... these things had slowly turned unimportant to Elisabeth. No matter what she desired, Joseph would always satisfy her needs.

But now..... different from his usual, varying, difficult to approach attitude, facing him directly made Elisabeth tremble.

Standing in front of her was a completely unfamiliar person.

Even so, Elisabeth drew out her courage and cried out
"F-father, I do not understand at all! Isn't the country about to collapse! What would happen to me!"

"Who knows. If you don't like it then leave this country."

Violently trembling, Elisabeth's teeth chattered loudly.
"....what are you thinking right now, father?"

"Disappear from my sight. Looking at you feels like staring at myself, urg."

Unable to stand the frighteningly deep low voice's words, Elisabeth quickly dashed out of her father's bedroom.

In replacement, with completely black hair, Sheffield appeared.

"Myoznitnirn?"

"Bidashal has a message for you. Says that 'it' is almost complete."

Joseph smiled lightly, and stood up.

Joseph and Myoznitnirn walked slowly towards the church deeper into the palace Versailles.

Facing the master and familiar, who never brought anyone else with them, the knights guarding Versailles saluted and then bowed.

Both their hands were shaking, but not because of the fact that their lord could use magic to bury traitors, together with the entire Grand Troyes to his pleasure.

No, it was because... of the "research" going on brazenly in the middle of the palace and its crucial "researcher," for the purpose of suppressing the rebellion at the port of San Marin.

Since the start of said research, which would be soon be experimented on San Marin, a rumor began to spread among the knights and army.

"There are elves supporting Joseph."

At Romalia, announcing a crusade because of that reason was 'just an excuse' to most of Versailles's nobles and soldiers. Few others knew otherwise.....

The guards here realized that, contrary to popular belief, that was not an excuse.

Using the same pace as ever, Joseph, and his female officer dressed black like a crow from top to bottom strolled..... their destination was Versailles's church, which was also the lab for the elves' frightening research.

The differently dressed man who called himself Bidashal didn't even attempt to hide his long ears anymore. Those kind of conversations continued to spread out in the city in clandestine.

"Romalia is taking us as an 'enemy of God', you really can't do anything about it. More unbelievable is our country allying with heretics..... feels like we're in a nightmare."
The knight sighed after watching Joseph leave. He, was exactly one of those who saw Castlemont of the Eastern Roses' betrayal. The relatively older knight next to him was also one of the first to be alerted after those events.

"Perhaps that night, I should have followed Castlemont and left."

"Why would you think like that?"
The old knight asked his student with a soothing voice.

"If so, at least we won't be standing up against God and Founder. Compared to our founder, our lord seems to be much more interested in the elves than the church."

"It's still not too late. Like the southern vassals, just go and join the crusade."

"If you grant me permission......"
The young knight looked towards the older one. Their conversation was like one between a father and child. Letting out a sigh, the old knight said
"Without land or the title of a baron, people like me who live only on our salary... what can we do after we leave the kingdom?"

That is very true of most nobles of the Gallian army as well. With such giant events happening within their country's own borders, it was impossible to have no complaints at all. However, all of them relied on their country. Even if they were to join the crusade, there was no one in Romalia who could guarantee their status. Those of lower status may even be interrogated with torture for being a heretic.

Similarly a noble, but those with land and actual power, unlike military men like them, their standing are completely different.

Recalling the day he was knighted, the old aristocrat scrunched his eyes and said
"Listen well. Swearing loyalty is nothing but just that. You won't have peace anyhow. We, in meaning, were a part of this kingdom since a long time ago."

"Yes."
The young knight replied without any signs of grimace.

"Like always, just focus on guarding this place. In reality, our existence is nothing more than seaweed on the bottom of a ship. But... seaweed won't dry out. No matter if the ship is sailing smoothly, or is sinking right now, the seaweed will always be attached to this ship."

The old knight looked far away.

"Frandal, everything will be fine as long as you do your part quietly. That's how I survived from the battlefields."

While walking, Myoznitnirn gave Joseph a report of everything that happened the past week.

"About not finding Castlemont's dead body.... it seems like he's still alive. Most likely mixed in with the army placed by the river Lelion."

"Is that so."

"He may try and contact Charlotte. I believe we should take action as soon as possible....."

Joseph shook his head
"There's no need."

"Why?"

"Because despair has the greatest effect when you're drowned in hope. Let those guys dreaming 'maybe bringing me down' die with their hopes. I really admire them for never being able to feel this amount of despair before."
Those were the thoughts from the deepest parts of his mind.

"Will do."
Afterwards, Myoznitnirn took half a step backwards, and bowed deeply.
".....I'm deeply sorry. After losing ten 'Jörmungandr'..... then not being able to control the riot at San Marin."
Her voice sounded really apologetic.

"About this matter, I've already heard. Don't mention it anymore."

".....But, please give me your punishments."

"Honestly, even if I wanted to punish you, I can't think of any. I gave my orders, you failed. Afterwards, half the country rebelled. It's just that simple. How do both things relate."

"Don't you feel angry?"

"Angry? Me? If I had an emotion called anger, maybe I wouldn't be thinking about turn the entire world into ashes right now."
Joseph said in a self-mocking tone.

"Then..... I hope you can listen to me privately. In reality, I am very anxious."
As soon as Myoznitnirn finished, she blushed. Describing the reason for her anxiousness... voicing her inner thoughts in public felt unbearable.

"Anxious? You? Now that's something unusual."

"Yes.....that, because I saw it..... a metal war chariot with a fire power never heard of. Now I'm extremely confused. Like previous reports, a cannon excellent in every field possible brought down our Jörmungandr one after another. Putting also that miraculously flying ship into consideration, the enemy may have large amounts of weaponry comparable with elven technology. This point is undeniable."

"Those weapons, don't they originate from where you came from, the 'Orient'?"

"No"
Myoznitnirn shook her head.
"We people of the Orient, although we did develop our own technology to protect ourselves against the elves, merely created an imitation of elven technology."

"I hear it's relatively powerful."

"Relatively...... can't really say for sure. I am, after all, nothing more than a priest's daughter."

"Oh, I remember something like that."
Losing interest, Joseph turned back and looked forward again.

"Your highness, don't you love Miss Elisabeth?"
Remembering Joseph's attitude previously, Sheffield asked her master.

"Elisabeth? How's could I. 'There is not a father in the world that doesn't love his daughter.' To me, this phrase is nothing but a praise for fathers. I don't see anything special between our relationship. After all, there are plenty of other parents in this world who don't love their children."

"Suppose I actually loved her...."
Joseph wondered with a dull tone
"Un, I would definitely take care of her first. But I don't think she's a human that worthy to begin with. Every time I see her face I find traces of myself, so disgust always comes out first."

"No matter what she does, just don't obstruct your work. Is that it?"

"I guess that's pretty much it."

Sheffield hanged her head at the ground sadly. Joseph, who was walking alongside with her, didn't even bother to take notice.

Flowers blossomed on both sides of the road. After multiple stone paved walkways, a church with a shining sacred object on top of its pointed tower came into their sights. In front of the church, not a single guard could be seen. It was due to the person conducting experiments inside not needing any to begin with. These people called elves, since ancient times they had long formed a contract with the spirits of the earth. The energy of the ground could be called the most powerful existence ever.

Joseph and Myoznitnirn just stepped into the church, yet already a bone chilling wind welcomed them. Even though it was the beginning of summer, and this wacky wind didn't seem like a product of the building structure itself either.

Joseph lightly sneezed.

"Have you already noticed?"
Myoznitnirn asked.

"Unn, although it's not as apparent to me as to you. Looks like I really am a 'bearer of the void'. Feeling the true power of the enemy, my body is shaking at such a magnitude."

Deep inside the church, Myoznitnirn pulled open the veil behind the altar. What it was hiding was a flight of stairs leading downwards.

It used to lead to the storage room of the church, but not anymore. From the look of the faint smoke coming out, it was as if there was a fire going on below.

Every step down the flight of stairs, the amount of smoke became denser.

Around halfway down, one could already see a fierce burning fire deep down. Loud crackling sounds echoed throughout the tunnel, more painful to the ears with every step taken.

It came from a large bonfire fueling on oversized logs.

Its sides, of length around 3 mails, formed a huge square-shaped pile of wood.

There were a total of four piles like this.

One placed at each corner of the room, each one of them spouting black smoke. From a crudely made hole in the wall, large amounts of air continuously poured in, making sounds like a trumpet.

More incredible was that despite the enormous amount of fire generated, there was not an inch in the basement that could be called hot. On the contrary, it was as if one was in mid-winter.

"Although I have heard most of it before, it is still one heck of a sight."

"By absorbing the heat around it, formed by condensing. The thing called the jewel of fire....."

The inexplicable reason for the contradicting sights and temperature had been revealed. A faint smile floated on Myoznitnirn's face.

In the exact center of the room, there was a small sized altar. In front of the altar, with long, almost transparent, golden hair, the elf had his hands raised high, completely focused of chanting spells.

It was the figure of Bidashal.

"''O'Flames. O'Flames by thee contract, heed my words and reside here''"

Chanting, the so called 'elemental' magic, in Bidashal's hands, laid a fist sized red gem.
<center>[[Image:ZnT15-119.jpg|thumb|"......"]]</center>
Red, or more accurately, a brilliant glow came from the flame-like interiors of the transparent gem.

Realizing Joseph walking close, Bidashal raised his head.

"I heard it's already done."

"I merely nodded my head when that woman asked 'Is it ready to a degree that can be used?'. There's no definite concept to define the completion of 'the jewel of fire'. It's a gem that condenses the power of fire. Regardless of size, the gem is just that. Finished or not, that will depend on your judgements."

After hearing his words, Joseph laughed loudly.

"Elves really are a different kind! These sort of things, just make your own sensible judgements."

"My kin abhors ambiguity."
Bidashal winced his eyes, staring straight down at Joseph. A natural jewel of fire is made from the natural energy underground. A level so deep that it would be impossible for humans to reach. To the elves, even if they were to dig such a hole, its gain would not be nearly enough to cover its losses.

To control the powers of the fire requires immense skill, definitely out of a human's capability, explaining how only a tiny population in Halkeginia know of its existence. Unfortunately, right beside Joseph..... the mysterious lady called Myoznitnirn was part of that tiny population, and had raised Joseph's interest in it.

"And how do you plan to use it?"

"Jewel of wind is a gem containing the powers of wind..... Jewel of fire is a gem containing the powers of fire, no?"

Even in the elven populations, only a few highly regarded powerful users had the ability to produce one. Bidashal was one of those few.

"Simply said, yes. I do not believe you nobles can correctly understand the concept anyway."

"Concept or whatever, the result is everything. Then, this small little stone... how many acres of land can it turn into ashes?"

Bidashal frowned hard. From Joseph's words he had a fair concept of Joseph's intention. For the elves, the jewel of fire was only a tool for warming the streets in the winter, or illuminating the streets at night...... using it for destruction, they'd never dared think about it.

"According to me..... if you release all the stored energy instantaneously..... in terms of your units, a 10 square miles, no, if it's this size, everything within 20 square miles will not be spared. But, how do you plan to release it? Against something powerful enough to seal this amount of energy, it's impossible to just unlock it."

"Using your 'void', you should be able to do it, no? Myoznitnirn?"

Myoznitnirn smiled even more.
"Affirmative."

Hearing this, Bidashal's face lost color.
"Using void magic? You? How, possible.... you?"

"What, you never knew?"

"How could, no, is it true? You are the bearer of this evil power? How could it....."
Bidashal shook his head in disbelief.

"Who else you did you think would be more worthy of being Gallia's King?"

"At least I never thought it would be you. This is such a coincidence."

"Why would you say that? I never intended to hide anything from you."

"I completely don't understand what you're thinking. Are humans creatures at all? And yet you stand in front of me like nothing! To you guys, isn't this the final blow? What you're doing right now, isn't it, what you call, 'revealing your final card' to your enemies?"
Feeling disgust for the first time in his life, Bidashal gave Joseph a look of hatred.

"Is that so. So, what do you plan to do after you know? Kill me? You can bury the man capable of 'reviving the void', your worst nightmares, in your own hands. Or, do you continue to insist what you said 'I don't like wars' that kind of thing?"
Joseph said, as if gleeful from the bottom of his heart. Bidashal gave expressions of regret.

".....It will only cause a new demon to revive."

"Oh, interesting. Do you mean there will be something else to replace me after I die?"

"....It's about time for that to happen. If it's you, you can stop it."

"Great. Like those Romalia idiots, in addition now we have an even more horrible nightmare. Therefore you must protect me with all your power, follow my words."
Joseph patted Bidashal's shoulders sarcastically.

"Maybe I will turn out to be the person who understands elves most."

"This is not something to 'understand'."
Bidashal said, trying to control his raged voice.

"Different point of views. Let me answer your question just now. But, seeing how smart you are, I'm sure you already know how I'm going to use this gem."

Bidashal understood everything in an instant.
"Are you serious!?!? You. There will not be a single strand of grass, a single bug left. This is not even a metaphor! Can you do that kind of thing to your own kind?"

"If it's me, of course."

"Demon!"

"I wonder who of us is the real demon? The person who made this terrible terrible crystal, who was that person? And from where again? No matter how much you point at me, you know that I won't change my mind. Come back to your senses. You don't care how many I kill anyway, my dear elf."

Bidashal's eyes showed signs of fury. To an elf that seldomly shows any emotions at all, this was a very rare occasion.
"I shouldn't have come here after all."

"No, you shouldn't have. That way you would've never noticed the demon inside yourself. But relax, bows and bullets have done no wrong. To do good or evil is up to the free will of the user. Just look at things simply like that."

Joseph left Bidashal's side.

"Make 2 or 3 more of things like that. Relax. You are not going to be the person who gets to use it.

I am."

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
| Return to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Zero_no_Tsukaima:Volume15_Chapter5|Chapter 5]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Zero no Tsukaima:guidelines

2013-02-14T01:00:23Z

66.169.192.216: /* Miscellaneous */

__FORCETOC__
<noinclude>This Page is a reference for the Naming Guidelines of the Zero no Tsukaima Project. Naming is currently being discussed in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=294 forums], so there may be changes in the future. Characters with multiple/changing allegiances are sorted by first appearance. Here is what we have so far:</noinclude>

== Characters ==

=== Tristain ===

'''Academy of Magic students'''

* Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière
** Nickname : Louise the Zero / Louise the Void
** Affinity : Void
** Class : Dot-mage
** Familiar : Hiraga Saito

* Hiraga Saito
** Weapon : A sentient sword, Derflinger
** Title name (complete) : Saito de Hiraga des Ornières, knight of Ondine
** The legendary familiar Gandálfr

* Kirche Augusta Frederica von [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhalt-Zerbst Anhalt Zerbst]
** Nickname : Kirche the Ardent
** Affinity : Fire
** Class : Triangle-mage
** Familiar : A salamander, Flame

* Tabitha
** Nickname : Tabitha the Snowstorm
** Affinity : Wind
** Class : Square-mage
** Familiar : A wind rhyme dragon, Sylphid
** Real name : Charlotte Hélène d'Orléans
** Title name (complete) : Her Highness the Duchess Charlotte Hélène d'Orléans, knight of the North Parterre

* Guiche de Gramont
** Nickname : Guiche the Bronze
** Affinity : Earth
** Class : Dot-mage
** Familiar : A giant mole, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ver%C3%B0andi Verdandi]
** Title Name (complete) : Guiche de Gramont, knight of Ondine
** Can summon golems shaped like valkyries

* Montmorency Margarita La Fère de Montmorency
** Nickname : Montmorency the Fragrance
** Affinity : Water
** Familiar : A frog, Robin

* Malicorne de Grandple
** Nickname : Malicorne the Windward
** Affinity : Wind
** Class : Dot-mage
** Title name (complete) : Malicorne de Grandple, knight of Ondine

* Old Osman
** Title : Headmaster Osman
** Class : Square-mage
** Familiar : A mouse, Motsognir

* Longueville
** Nickname : Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt
** Affinity : Earth
** Class : Triangle-mage
** Real name : Mathilda of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxe-Gotha Saxe-Gotha]

* Jean Colbert
** Nickname : Colbert the Flame Serpent
** Affinity : Fire
** Class : Square-mage

* Chevreuse
** Nickname : Chevreuse the Red Clay

* Ajax
* Gimli
* Katie
* Reynald
* Styx

'''Commoners'''
* Head Chef Marteau
* Scarron
* Siesta
* Jessica

'''Military'''
* 2nd Dragon Knight Squadron
** René Vonke (Captain)
* Agnès, knight de Milan (Commander of the Musketeer Corps)
* Chief of the General Staff Wimpffen
* Sargeant Nicolas (de Vineuil Battalion)
* Supreme Commander/General De Poitiers

'''Residents of the La Vallière mansion'''
* Cattleya de La Vallière
* Duke of La Vallière
* Karin, Duchess of La Vallière
** Full name: Karin Désirée de La Vallière
** Maiden name: Karin Désirée de Maillart
** Nickname : Karin the Heavy Wind
** Affinity : Wind
** Familiar : Manticore
** The former commander of the Manticore Corps, known for the motto "Rule of Steel"
* Éléonore de La Vallière

'''Royal Government'''
* Cardinal Mazarin
* Finance Minister De Muri
* Her Highness the Princess / Her Majesty the Queen Henrietta of Tristain

=== Germania ===
* His Highness the Emperor of Germania, Albrecht the III

=== Albion ===
* Captain/Viscount Jean-Jacques Wardes
* General Hawkings
* Henry Bowood (Captain and POW)
* Menvil the White Flame (Mercenary)
* Oliver Cromwell (Chairman and first Albion Emperor)
* His Highness the Prince Wales Tudor of Albion
* His Majesty the King James I Tudor of Albion
* Tiffania Westwood Tudor of Albion

=== Romalia ===
* Giulio Cesare, previous king of Romalia
* Pope of Romalia, Vittorio Cervale
** St. Aegis the 32nd
* Giulio Cesare
** Parter: A wind dragon, Azuro
** Priest
** The legendary familiar Windalf

=== Gallia ===
* His Majesty the King Joseph of Gallia
* Sheffield, the Myoznitnirn
* Mrs. Molière
* Bart Castlemont, Captain of Knights of the Eastern Roses
* Charles, Duke of Orléans (Tabitha's father)

=== Sahara ===
* Bidashal of Nephthys / Bidashal of Sahara
* Chief Tariq
* Ali
* Rukshana

=== Miscellaneous ===
* Marquis Handenburg (Commander of the Germania army)
* Minican
* Pelisson
* Water Spirit

== Organizations ==

=== Tristain ===

'''Armies/Corps'''
* Royal Army
* National Army (aka Marquis Army)
* Sky Navy
* Imperial Guards
** Dragon Knight Corps
** Griffon Corps
** Manticore Corps
** Musketeer Corps
** Ondine ・ Knight Corps of the Water Spirit

'''Military Units'''
* 2nd Dragon Knight Squadron
* De Vineuil Independent Musket Infantry Battalion
* Magical Research Experimental Group
* Zero Organization (Fictional)

=== Romalia ===
* Romalian Templar Knight Squadron

=== Gallia ===

'''Military Units'''
* Knights of the Eastern Roses
* Knights of the Parterre
* Knights of the White Lily
* Knights of the Southern Flowerbed

=== Sahara ===
* Council of Nephthys

=== Miscellaneous ===
* Allied Forces
* Reconquista

== Places ==

=== Kingdoms ===

* Halkeginia (The continent)
** Albion (Kingdom of / Holy Republic of)
** Gallia (Kingdom of)
** Germania (Empire of)
** Grudenholf (Grand Duchy of)
** Romalia (Holy Empire of)
** Tristain (Kingdom of)
* Sahara
* Rub' al Khali

=== Cities ===

* Tristain
** La Rochelle (port)
** Tarbes (town)
** Tristania (capital)
*** Bourdonné Street
*** Chicton Street
*** "Charming Fairies" inn
*** Royal Palace
** D’Angleterre (Agnès's hometown)
** Tristain's Academy of Magic
*** Alvíss Dining Hall
*** Austri Plaza
*** Fenrir's Library
*** Vestri Courtyard
* Albion
** Dartanes (port)
** Londinium (capital)
*** Havilland (Emperor's palace)
**** White Hall
** Newcastle (Where Prince Wales was)
** Rosais (airbase)
** Saxe-Gotha (castle/city)
** Westwood (forest/village)
* Gallia
** Lutèce (capital)
** Versailles (''de facto'' capital)
*** Grand Troyes
* Germania
** Vindobona (capital)

=== Miscellaneous ===

* Marie Galante
* Lac d'Orient
* Scarborough
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champ_de_Mars,_Paris Champs de Mars] Training Facility

== The Founder ==

*Founder Brimir
**Full name: Brimir Ru Rumiru Yuru Viri Vee Varutori (ブリミル・ル・ルミル・ユル・ヴィリ・ヴェー・ヴァルトリ, Burimiru Ru Rumiru Yuru Viri Vee Varutori)

The following sections presents the treasures and rings bequeathed by the Founder Brimir with the guardian country and the legitimate heir of each one.

=== The Founder's Treasures ===

* The Founder’s Prayer Book (Tristain, Louise)
* The Founder’s Censer (Gallia, Joseph) (Used to hold Burning Incense)
* The Founder’s Music Box (Albion, Tiffania)
* The Founder’s Round Mirror (Romalia, Pope)

=== The Founder's Rings ===

* Ruby of Water (Tristain, Louise)
* Ruby of Earth (Gallia, Joseph)
* Ruby of Wind (Albion, Tiffania)
* Ruby of Fire (Romalia, Pope)

=== Disciples/Familiars ===

To read runes, download the ''Aboriginal Serif'' font

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandalf_%28Norse_mythology%29 Gandálfr] (ガンダールヴ, Gandāruvu), ᚷᚨᚾᛞᚨᛚᚠᚱ, on the illustrations and in the anime it's ᚷᚢᚾᛞᛟᛚᚠ (Gundolf)
* Vindálfr, ᚹᛁᚾᛞᚨᛚᚠᚱ
* Mjöðvitnir (ミョズニトニルン, Myozunitonirun), ᛗᛇᛟᛉᚾᛁᛏᚾᛁᚱ, in the anime it's ᛗᛇᛟᛞᚨᛁᛏᚾᛁᚱ (Myodaitnir)
* Lífþrasir

* St. Forsythe

== Other Terms ==

=== Spells ===

*General (non branch specific)
** Contract Servant
** Summon Servant

*Earth
** Alchemy
** Fixation
** Golem
** Gold transmutation

*Fire
** Ignite
** Fireball
** Flame Bomb (Fire, Fire, Earth)

*Wind
** Silence
** Windy Icycle
** Snowstorm
** Tornado

* Void
** Dispel Magic
** Illusion
** Explosion
** Memory removal spell

=== Weapons ===

'''Saito's World'''
* Staff of Destruction (M72 Rocket Launcher)
* Dragon's Raiment (Zero Fighter)

'''Ships'''
* ''Varsenda'' (Tristain ''Dragon Carrier''-class carrier)
* ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ship_Redoutable_(1791) Redoutable]'' (Tristain battleship)
* ''Lexington'' (Albion capital ship)
* ''Ostland'' (Built by Colbert, owned by Kirche)

=== Miscellaneous ===

'''Magical Artifacts'''
* The Ring of Andvari
* The Bell of Slumber
* Jörmungandr (Golem that Myozunitonirun used)

'''Books'''
* Secret of the Flame Serpent (Colbert's manual)
* The Practical Doctrine
* The Hero of Ivaldi

'''Other'''
* Écu (Currency)
* Founder Brimir's Advent Festival
* Lord Spee's Sword
* Medal of White Hair Soul
* New Religon Hunt
* Ancient Magic
* The Predecessor
* Mails (unit of measurement)

*Magic Elements
** Wind
** Water
** Fire
** Earth
** Void

*Magic Class Levels (Ranking of either a mage or spell)
** Dot (One elemenet)
** Line (Two elements)
** Triangle (Three elements)
** Square (Four elements)
** Pentagram (All five elements)

Zero no Tsukaima:guidelines

2013-02-14T00:29:47Z

66.169.192.216: /* Gallia */

__FORCETOC__
<noinclude>This Page is a reference for the Naming Guidelines of the Zero no Tsukaima Project. Naming is currently being discussed in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=294 forums], so there may be changes in the future. Characters with multiple/changing allegiances are sorted by first appearance. Here is what we have so far:</noinclude>

== Characters ==

=== Tristain ===

'''Academy of Magic students'''

* Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière
** Nickname : Louise the Zero / Louise the Void
** Affinity : Void
** Class : Dot-mage
** Familiar : Hiraga Saito

* Hiraga Saito
** Weapon : A sentient sword, Derflinger
** Title name (complete) : Saito de Hiraga des Ornières, knight of Ondine
** The legendary familiar Gandálfr

* Kirche Augusta Frederica von [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anhalt-Zerbst Anhalt Zerbst]
** Nickname : Kirche the Ardent
** Affinity : Fire
** Class : Triangle-mage
** Familiar : A salamander, Flame

* Tabitha
** Nickname : Tabitha the Snowstorm
** Affinity : Wind
** Class : Square-mage
** Familiar : A wind rhyme dragon, Sylphid
** Real name : Charlotte Hélène d'Orléans
** Title name (complete) : Her Highness the Duchess Charlotte Hélène d'Orléans, knight of the North Parterre

* Guiche de Gramont
** Nickname : Guiche the Bronze
** Affinity : Earth
** Class : Dot-mage
** Familiar : A giant mole, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ver%C3%B0andi Verdandi]
** Title Name (complete) : Guiche de Gramont, knight of Ondine
** Can summon golems shaped like valkyries

* Montmorency Margarita La Fère de Montmorency
** Nickname : Montmorency the Fragrance
** Affinity : Water
** Familiar : A frog, Robin

* Malicorne de Grandple
** Nickname : Malicorne the Windward
** Affinity : Wind
** Class : Dot-mage
** Title name (complete) : Malicorne de Grandple, knight of Ondine

* Old Osman
** Title : Headmaster Osman
** Class : Square-mage
** Familiar : A mouse, Motsognir

* Longueville
** Nickname : Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt
** Affinity : Earth
** Class : Triangle-mage
** Real name : Mathilda of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxe-Gotha Saxe-Gotha]

* Jean Colbert
** Nickname : Colbert the Flame Serpent
** Affinity : Fire
** Class : Square-mage

* Chevreuse
** Nickname : Chevreuse the Red Clay

* Ajax
* Gimli
* Katie
* Reynald
* Styx

'''Commoners'''
* Head Chef Marteau
* Scarron
* Siesta
* Jessica

'''Military'''
* 2nd Dragon Knight Squadron
** René Vonke (Captain)
* Agnès, knight de Milan (Commander of the Musketeer Corps)
* Chief of the General Staff Wimpffen
* Sargeant Nicolas (de Vineuil Battalion)
* Supreme Commander/General De Poitiers

'''Residents of the La Vallière mansion'''
* Cattleya de La Vallière
* Duke of La Vallière
* Karin, Duchess of La Vallière
** Full name: Karin Désirée de La Vallière
** Maiden name: Karin Désirée de Maillart
** Nickname : Karin the Heavy Wind
** Affinity : Wind
** Familiar : Manticore
** The former commander of the Manticore Corps, known for the motto "Rule of Steel"
* Éléonore de La Vallière

'''Royal Government'''
* Cardinal Mazarin
* Finance Minister De Muri
* Her Highness the Princess / Her Majesty the Queen Henrietta of Tristain

=== Germania ===
* His Highness the Emperor of Germania, Albrecht the III

=== Albion ===
* Captain/Viscount Jean-Jacques Wardes
* General Hawkings
* Henry Bowood (Captain and POW)
* Menvil the White Flame (Mercenary)
* Oliver Cromwell (Chairman and first Albion Emperor)
* His Highness the Prince Wales Tudor of Albion
* His Majesty the King James I Tudor of Albion
* Tiffania Westwood Tudor of Albion

=== Romalia ===
* Giulio Cesare, previous king of Romalia
* Pope of Romalia, Vittorio Cervale
** St. Aegis the 32nd
* Giulio Cesare
** Parter: A wind dragon, Azuro
** Priest
** The legendary familiar Windalf

=== Gallia ===
* His Majesty the King Joseph of Gallia
* Sheffield, the Myoznitnirn
* Mrs. Molière
* Bart Castlemont, Captain of Knights of the Eastern Roses
* Charles, Duke of Orléans (Tabitha's father)

=== Sahara ===
* Bidashal of Nephthys / Bidashal of Sahara
* Chief Tariq
* Ali
* Rukshana

=== Miscellaneous ===
* Marquis Handenburg (Commander of the Germania army)
* Minican
* Pelisson
* Water Spirit

== Organizations ==

=== Tristain ===

'''Armies/Corps'''
* Royal Army
* National Army (aka Marquis Army)
* Sky Navy
* Imperial Guards
** Dragon Knight Corps
** Griffon Corps
** Manticore Corps
** Musketeer Corps
** Ondine ・ Knight Corps of the Water Spirit

'''Military Units'''
* 2nd Dragon Knight Squadron
* De Vineuil Independent Musket Infantry Battalion
* Magical Research Experimental Group
* Zero Organization (Fictional)

=== Romalia ===
* Romalian Templar Knight Squadron

=== Gallia ===

'''Military Units'''
* Knights of the Eastern Roses
* Knights of the Parterre
* Knights of the White Lily
* Knights of the Southern Flowerbed

=== Sahara ===
* Council of Nephthys

=== Miscellaneous ===
* Allied Forces
* Reconquista

== Places ==

=== Kingdoms ===

* Halkeginia (The continent)
** Albion (Kingdom of / Holy Republic of)
** Gallia (Kingdom of)
** Germania (Empire of)
** Grudenholf (Grand Duchy of)
** Romalia (Holy Empire of)
** Tristain (Kingdom of)
* Sahara
* Rub' al Khali

=== Cities ===

* Tristain
** La Rochelle (port)
** Tarbes (town)
** Tristania (capital)
*** Bourdonné Street
*** Chicton Street
*** "Charming Fairies" inn
*** Royal Palace
** D’Angleterre (Agnès's hometown)
** Tristain's Academy of Magic
*** Alvíss Dining Hall
*** Austri Plaza
*** Fenrir's Library
*** Vestri Courtyard
* Albion
** Dartanes (port)
** Londinium (capital)
*** Havilland (Emperor's palace)
**** White Hall
** Newcastle (Where Prince Wales was)
** Rosais (airbase)
** Saxe-Gotha (castle/city)
** Westwood (forest/village)
* Gallia
** Lutèce (capital)
** Versailles (''de facto'' capital)
*** Grand Troyes
* Germania
** Vindobona (capital)

=== Miscellaneous ===

* Marie Galante
* Lac d'Orient
* Scarborough
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champ_de_Mars,_Paris Champs de Mars] Training Facility

== The Founder ==

*Founder Brimir
**Full name: Brimir Ru Rumiru Yuru Viri Vee Varutori (ブリミル・ル・ルミル・ユル・ヴィリ・ヴェー・ヴァルトリ, Burimiru Ru Rumiru Yuru Viri Vee Varutori)

The following sections presents the treasures and rings bequeathed by the Founder Brimir with the guardian country and the legitimate heir of each one.

=== The Founder's Treasures ===

* The Founder’s Prayer Book (Tristain, Louise)
* The Founder’s Censer (Gallia, Joseph) (Used to hold Burning Incense)
* The Founder’s Music Box (Albion, Tiffania)
* The Founder’s Round Mirror (Romalia, Pope)

=== The Founder's Rings ===

* Ruby of Water (Tristain, Louise)
* Ruby of Earth (Gallia, Joseph)
* Ruby of Wind (Albion, Tiffania)
* Ruby of Fire (Romalia, Pope)

=== Disciples/Familiars ===

To read runes, download the ''Aboriginal Serif'' font

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandalf_%28Norse_mythology%29 Gandálfr] (ガンダールヴ, Gandāruvu), ᚷᚨᚾᛞᚨᛚᚠᚱ, on the illustrations and in the anime it's ᚷᚢᚾᛞᛟᛚᚠ (Gundolf)
* Vindálfr, ᚹᛁᚾᛞᚨᛚᚠᚱ
* Mjöðvitnir (ミョズニトニルン, Myozunitonirun), ᛗᛇᛟᛉᚾᛁᛏᚾᛁᚱ, in the anime it's ᛗᛇᛟᛞᚨᛁᛏᚾᛁᚱ (Myodaitnir)
* Lífþrasir

* St. Forsythe

== Other Terms ==

=== Spells ===

*General (non branch specific)
** Contract Servant
** Summon Servant

*Earth
** Alchemy
** Fixation
** Golem
** Gold transmutation

*Fire
** Ignite
** Fireball
** Flame Bomb (Fire, Fire, Earth)

*Wind
** Silence
** Windy Icycle
** Snowstorm
** Tornado

* Void
** Dispel Magic
** Illusion
** Explosion
** Memory removal spell

=== Weapons ===

'''Saito's World'''
* Staff of Destruction (M72 Rocket Launcher)
* Dragon's Raiment (Zero Fighter)

'''Ships'''
* ''Varsenda'' (Tristain ''Dragon Carrier''-class carrier)
* ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ship_Redoutable_(1791) Redoutable]'' (Tristain battleship)
* ''Lexington'' (Albion capital ship)
* ''Ostland'' (Built by Colbert, owned by Kirche)

=== Miscellaneous ===

'''Magical Artifacts'''
* The Ring of Andvari
* The Bell of Slumber
* Jörmungandr (Golem that Myozunitonirun used)

'''Books'''
* Secret of the Flame Serpent (Colbert's manual)
* The Practical Doctrine
* The Hero of Ivaldi

'''Other'''
* Écu (Currency)
* Founder Brimir's Advent Festival
* Lord Spee's Sword
* Medal of White Hair Soul
* New Religon Hunt
* Ancient Magic
* The Predecessor

*Magic Elements
** Wind
** Water
** Fire
** Earth
** Void

*Magic Class Levels (Ranking of either a mage or spell)
** Dot (One elemenet)
** Line (Two elements)
** Triangle (Three elements)
** Square (Four elements)
** Pentagram (All five elements)

Zero no Tsukaima:Volume13 Chapter5

2013-02-13T03:51:45Z

66.169.192.216: /* Chapter 5: The Persuasion of the Pope */

===Chapter 5: The Persuasion of the Pope===

After arriving at the Cathedral, the first thing Louise did was greet Henrietta.

But for some reason, this Queen seemed to be quite distracted. She only acknowledged it saying "Oh, just in time." Even why Louise and the others were summoned to this country in the first place was not explained. Henrietta told Louise and Tiffania that the Pope his Holiness would explain later.

"Anyhow, the long journey must have tired you out. They have already prepared dinner. Please, enjoy yourselves first."

The dinner would be held in two different places.

Except for Saito, the Ondine Water Spirit Knights, Colbert, Kirche and Tabitha would share one room, while Louise, Tiffania and Saito would sit in the dining hall where the Pope would attend himself.

In the smaller room, they didn't have a single waiter, letting them to do as they please. Luckily, the members of the Ondine Knights did not seem to mind this kind of treatment. They were all celebrating today's battle, laughing and chatting loudly all the way.

Kirche looked at Colbert by her side. Since arriving at this Cathedral, he seemed to have a lack of enthusiasm. Leaving the untouched dish in front of him, he rested his chin on his knuckles, immersed in deep thoughts.

"What's wrong? Here, does it taste bad?"

Kirche indicated her soup by stirring it with a spoon.

"This soup really is disgusting. Other than spinach, there's nothing else. Having this kind of priest like meal, it's my first experience."

Still, Colbert stayed in the same position without moving an inch after commenting.

"What's wrong with you? Are you alright?"

Kirche bended her head worriedly. Colbert finally lifted his head up in response.

"Eh? Oh, sorry. Nothing much"

He took a few sips from his soup, whipping out a ruby ring from his pocket once in a while, staring at it like a dead man with his eyes open. It was what he gave into Kirche's possession when he was about to die in his battle with Menvil. After Colbert was completely healed, Kirche gave this back to him promptly.

"What's with the ruby? Are you, thinking about your ex?"

Originally meant to be a joke, Colbert nodded his head out of Kirche's surprise.

"Umm, just like that"

Kirche winced her eyes, and put a small cooked lobster on his head, although he was just as motionless. Not wanting other people to see her any more jealous, Kirche found someone else to talk to. At her side, Tabitha was eating expressionless.

"Hey, Tabitha. What do you think they are talking about at the dining hall?"

Tabitha slowly finished her cup of wine and answered

"Don't know"

On the other end of the corridor inside the dining hall, no one said of anything and kept putting food in their mouths in awkward silence. Louise was sitting next to Saito, whereas Tiffania was sitting on the other side of him.

Today's incident wasn't something Saito could easily let go. Every now and then, Saito would stare angrily at Julio, grinding his teeth and food, thinking "Huh, that bastard"

Tiffania nervously shrunk into her seat. Holding the fork and knife in her hand tightly, the plate served just now, she had not taken a single bite, already cut into an unknown number of pieces now.

In front of her is the one who called Louise and the others here, Henrietta.

Likewise to Colbert, Henrietta was also deep in thoughts, focusing dully on the wine glass in front of her. On the side of Henrietta sat Captain of the guns squadron, Agnes, but she also seemed to be considering something silently.

Sitting at the end of the table, was Pope St. Aegis the 32nd, Vittorio Serevare, listening to Julio's daily report.

Not long ago, Louise, Saito and Tiffania, 3 of the were allowed to see Pope Vittorio alone. He used the caring, smiling face of his to welcome them all.

First, Louise was stunned by his handsome face. He was just like an elf, mysterious and mighty.

Next thing Louise felt, was the overwhelming warm feeling radiating from him. It's only something one can feel from those who have sacrificed all their desires for others. Just taking one sight of him, Louise felt as if she understood why he was able to become Pope at such a young age.

Saito also seemed to be experiencing what Louise is right now. His jaw dropped at the sight of the glamorous Vittorio, then quickily changed to a smile of defeat.

"Julio that kid may be handsome but he has his irritating side, but this person is completely different. So these people do exist in the world" Saito relayed his thoughts to Louise back then.

After than the dinner began. The only words spoken so far were from Vittorio, all of them comforting words, but irrelevant to the case. Not being able to raise a question on her side, Louise uncomfortably calmed down her mind.

What, is this thing that Henrietta and Pope his Holiness wants us to see?

Louise jabbed the Saito beside her and said

"Hey"

"Huh?"

"What are her majesty and his Holiness planning to let us look at?"

"Dunno. I guess we will find out after this dinner. It may be extremely shocking, therefore a filled up stomach will surely calm you down."

Just like what Saito said, it's pointless to be thinking all day long. And so, Louise extended her hand to reach the food.

Hearing the report, Vittorio deeply bowed to everyone.

"My familiar must have caused you trouble"

Hearing him say this, Louise and Saito both, "Pufffff!", spitting out everything in their mouths.

"Your Holiness, just now, what did you say?"

"I was apologizing for the trouble caused. Julio, why did you do these things without informing me? I only said 'Hope you may welcome them'."

Julio's hetero-chromatic eyes shined, and chuckled.

"No, not that!"

Louise unconsciously stood up.

"Just now, your Holiness said 'familiar'?"

"Yes, that is correct."

Julio looked at Saito and Louse, then said while nodding,

"We are brothers, gifted with the power to guide people to the correct paths, brothers wielding legendary power."

Saito and the others were all astonished by this sudden confession from Julio. Julio then casually took off the glove on his right hand.

On his hand, a chain of letters similar to Gandálfr's inscription was marked.

"I am the right hand of God. Vindálfr. Saito, you and me are like brothers."

"Vindálfr", Tiffania murmured to herself.

"Because Miss Tiffania still does not possess a familiar, that will be 3 bearers, 2 familiars, and..."

Vittorio eyed the Founder's Prayer book lying beside Louise

"A secret treasure, two rings, all inside this room"

Julio whispered softly in Vittorio's ear

"Ring, there is one more that can be counted"

"In that case, then there are 3 rings. So this is it."

The dining hall was filled with tension. In the middle of this stifling air, Vittorio turned to Henrietta.

Henrietta's concerned face nodded deeply.

"Then, today, the reason for everyone's presence here is none other than what you are expecting. I hope you may all help me."

"Help in?"

At this point, Henrietta opened her mouth and offered to continue for him.

After Saito and Louise had finished listening to what Henrietta had to say, they widened their eyes at this ridiculous task. Eventually returning to reality, Louise opened her mouth and said,

"Anyhow, what your Majesty is trying to say is, to use our power, and to reclaim the holy land back from the elves' hands? How is this different from the Reconquista people?"

"No, it's not like that, Louise. It's to discuss. War is foolish. Both of you have made me realize this point."

"Then, why must we reclaim the holy land?"

This time Vittorio cut in,

"It's because that place is where we belong. Why do wars exists? Why do the governors of this world, us, sheepishly declare war with different clans? Simply said, this state exists because of the loss of our destined land."

Vittorio's calm voice stands out from the rest and he continued,

"In this few thousand years of losing our holy hand, we were at a state of losing confidence. Our promised lands conquered by unfamiliar people, is unhealthy for the overall population. Losing confidence, we have been seeking cheap replacements. Pointless fights over countless lands, we have bled a lot unnecessarily."

Louise could not counter his statements. This is Halkeginia's history.

"Reclaiming the promised lands. Revealing the legendary power. Only at this moment, our true confidence can come back to life. Only through this, we are able to construct our glorious future. When Halkeginia is finally united, there will be no more wars."

Vittorio calmly spoke of the word "united". This is a word which has appeared often in countless Halkeginia kings' dreams.

United.

"As the descendants of our Founder Brimir, everyone of us, in front of God and Founder himself are all brothers and sisters."

Louise's was swayed by these words. On the other hand, her instinct continued to tell her that there's a catch here somewhere. Before Louise was able to voice out her thoughts, Saito cut in,

"Then, may I speak of a few words? Your Holiness."

"Please do."

Saito said apologetically,

"I, my, I'm not too smart, therefore what your Holiness said, I do not quite understand it. From what I hear, your meaning is that we should pick up our swords, and threaten them to take the land back, is that what you meant?"

"Yes. It's just that. Not very different from what you said."

Vittorio decisively confirmed Saito's description.

"How could we, just because they are elves (foreigners), then these things are permitted? I really don't think this will result in anything good."

"We believe to bless every single person is too arrogant."

Vittorio straightforwardly replied.

"My hands are small. These hands which God gave me, if I were to use them to care for every single creature in this world, then it would not be enough. I am a believer in Brimir. Therefore the first ones I should bless is Romalian pilgrims for their well-being. Am I wrong in doing so?"

"I don't think you are wrong. But...."

Saito paused a while for his brain to process. Henrietta opened her mouth, as if to persuade Saito to change his mind, and said,

"Saito. I also considered it thoroughly myself, and also agree with the Pope's wishes. I have sheepishly triggered a pointless war before, but I do not wish for history to repeat itself again. This is what I think. If you can use your power to stop a war, then I believe that is also a kind of justice."

"I refuse."

Saito made himself clear.

"Saito..."

Henrietta seemed to have something else to say, but Saito unerringly shook his head.

"Doing these things is too despicable! Tiffania sitting here, has elven blood flowing in her right now. I do not want to do anything similar to threatening Tiffania's mother"

Tiffania bit her lips. Although she has been thinking a lot, she believed there was no place for her to talk.

Henrietta stood up and walked next to Tiffania's side.

"Greetings, Tiffania. I am your cousin Henrietta"

She said, holding Tiffania's hands.

Tiffania helplessly answered

"Cousin"

"That's right. Your father Duke '''Montaru(蒙特)''' (Prince '''Othomont (奧布蒙特)'''), not only was he the previous King of Albion, but also the brother of our last Tristain King Henry. Which goes and say, you are my cousin."

Henrietta hugged Tiffania tightly.

"Ohh, my lovely cousin. I am sorry to remind you of all your painful memories. I also hope that you will forgive me for not being able to announce this fact to the public."

Tiffania hugged her only relative back, tears dropping form her eyes uncontrollably. The dining hall was veiled by silence momentarily. But then, through sobs, Tiffania still asked Henrietta

"Your Majesty. Are you going to fight with my mother's clan?"

"It's not like that. We just want to tell them peacefully, to return that land to us. After all, that land was originally ours. I was hoping, during the discussion, the blood that's flowing through you will become a bridge never before crossed between us and them."

Tiffania hung her head, then softly replied,

"I, really do not understand difficult things. But, if my power can be of help to everyone, I believe, that there is nothing more more joyful that this."

"You are willing to help us?"

Tiffania turned to the surprised Saito.

"If Saito, says so, then I would also help. It is Saito who brought me to the world outside. If Saito decides to do so, then I am also willing to follow."

"Saito..."

Henrietta looked at Saito, almost begging. Seeing Henrietta like this, his determination was slightly swayed, but in the end, he still couldn't accept it.

"I am sorry. Your Holiness and your Majesty's ideals are very attractive. But I do not want to use Louise's and my power because of this"

"Louise, what do you think?"

Henrietta turned to Louise in despair....

Louise was confused.

What Henrietta and Vittorio have said are undoubtedly correct.

She is also one of the Halkeginia's nobles.

As a noble, it is always first priority to consider Halkeginia's needs. Otherwise, it would be meaningless carrying the title of a noble. If this event happened a long time ago, Louise might have nodded her head towards Henrietta's beliefs.

But, the Louise now is different.

She does not, just because the others are elves, want to do these forceful actions.

Among the peasants, there are all sorts of people.

It must be the same for elves, all sorts of elves. There are bad elves, as well as good elves. Through Saito and Tiffania's conversation, Louise also thought this way.

Conveying Louise's silent response, Henrietta gave a smile, nodded her head and said,

"Most certainly, it may be a very difficult choice for you to make. But, it is a choice you have to choose eventually. Before you are certain, I hope that you will not forget, the meaning of the cape kept in your mother's possession. The marks stitched on it, are not decorations. Those marks represent the responsibility for Tristain's future, as well as the entire Halkeginia's future."

Yet even after Henrietta have said so, Louise was still motionless. Something is rejecting this idea in her mind.

Henrietta turned again to Saito.

"You too, are fighting for Louise's sake, aren't you? To save the person you treasure most, you will do whatever you need to. I too am the same. I cannot stand the conflicts between people. Therefore, I will also do what I must."

"For this, you do not care what happens to the elves?"

Hearing Saito's question, Henrietta nodded her head.

"I am Queen of a country of humans. Same as his Holiness, there is a limit to what my hand can cover."

These words because a powerful duet.

Vittorio said uncaringly,

"It has already been 3 years for me as the Romalia Pope. In this period, there was only 1 thing I learned"

Pausing in between, Vittorio said with force,

"Love cannot save everyone."

Everyone continued their dinner speechless.

Not before long, Saito raised another question.

"Then, may I ask another question?"

Vittorio nodded his head, chuckling.

"Please do."

"Other than assembling all void users, what about that side, Gallia?"

That's right. Gallia's void user and his familiar has always had their eyes on Louise and the other bearers.

Also, undoubtedly, under the shadows of the Gallian King Joseph and his familiar, they are using powerful elves. For the elves to help this side is relatively impossible.

To everyone's surprise, Vittorio laughed.

"Of course, I have my own way to solve this problem. It is exactly because of this I made this meeting here."

"What do we do?"

"In 3 days, my third anniversary coronation ceremony will be held. Right at the city near Gallian borders, the city of Aquileia. Of course, the Gallian King will also attend."

"He will?"

"Who knows. It does not matter whether he comes or not. My point is, Miss Vallière, Miss Westwood. I hope you will also attend this."

Louise seemed to have noticed something and stood up,

"Are you suggesting to use us as bait?"

"It is my ceremony. Prior to this, I have already spread news of me being a void user to Gallia, meaning you won't be the only ones being the bait. I am a person that would feel uncomfortable if I'm not part of the plan."

"This is too dangerous!"

"I understand about the danger. But, keep in mind that if you keep being on alert it would be even more dangerous. What does Gallian King Joseph wants? I'm afraid it's to eliminate all void users not in his grasp, and to turn Halkeginia into his own. He may be jeered as an incompetent King by his subjects, but I beg to differ. His is a cunning, cruel, emotionless man. The title "Incompetent King" is just a disguise for his ambitions. He can be cunning enough to that extent. Only if all three of us congregate together, he will commence his attacks."

"Then, how are you prepared for it?"

Intrigued, Saito asked further on.

"Saito!"

Louise angrily bellowed with laser eyes focused on Saito.

"How is this bad. Just now I may have refused, but this is a different matter and I agree with it. The arrogance in that Gallian King, I have long despised. Not only did he brutally attack us, but also did such unforgivable things to Tabitha. I will never forgive him. If we are going to kill him eventually, it's better to do it as early as possible."

Saito's words made a pleased Vittorio nod,

"I fear he will send his familiar first. It's that Myoznitnirn you have encountered a few times before. That woman who uses magical items."

"I suppose."

"We must capture Myoznitnirn with all our force, but must not kill her."

"Why is that?"

"If we kill her, then Joseph can summon another familiar again. Must capture her alive, keep her alive. This way, the Gallian void user cannot summon another familiar. Without a familiar, that void user's power will decrease by half. It will be a great chance for us to then go and negotiate, dropping his title as a king once in for all. After that happens, it might even be possible for your friend to take the throne."

"This is great! Let's do it then!"

Henrietta looked at Saito with trust. Julio joined in and laughed. Tiffania nodded her head.

Yet, only Louise was shaking her head alone.

"I refuse."

"Why!"

Saito looked at Louise, not understanding why. Louise was astonished by their optimism, as well as at her boiling point. Despite there are 3 void bearers in this room, there are only 2 familiars, Saito and Julio. Besides, Julio is Vindálfr. Even if he can control excellent beasts, between the battle of familiars they are still at a slight disadvantage, no?

Yes, in the eyes of that Albion dragon knight, Saito may be very used to fights.

But that was only under normal circumstances. Now we are talking about void, with all sorts of magical weapons flying around on the battle field, how useful can he be?

And it doesn't end here, Tiffania is only capable of using one spell. The effects may be strong, but it is not a spell one can apply directly on the battlefield. As for Vittorio's power, no one knows. Perhaps he may be very powerful, but Louise just can't imagine how much battle experience this soft and gentle Pope has. In a battle, the spell's power is everything, because if one has enough experience, even a dot level mage can defeat a triangle mage.

In comparison, although there are only 2 people as the enemy, their true power is still unknown.

The Myoznitnirn capable of controlling any magical weapon.

With the help on the frightening nature's power that elves own.

Louise may not have lost before, but she cannot win either.

No, the reason Louise may have survived through all of this, could only be her luck.

There is also the possibility that the enemy have not unveiled her true power yet.

Remembering the Golomonta some time ago, Louise shuddered. To defeat one was already tricky enough. What if they had 5?

No matter how, Louise does not agree that they victory is possible.

"Just by facing Myoznitnirn alone has been difficult enough. I cannot imagine how tough it would be when she's accompanied by another void user. It's too dangerous. We must be more careful."

"We need courage. Courage capable of changing our current state. We must end this before the enemy obtains even greater power."

Vittorio pointed out.

"Louise, I think his Holiness is right."

''You idiot!'' Louise blamed Saito in her thoughts. ''We may have 5 people over here, but isn't the one fighting the most going to be yourself?''

''Actually, it's only Saito himself''

Saito must fight alone to buy time for Louise to chant her spells. Facing enemies with all their power alone.

But, these words did not come out.

If it was said out loud, then most would think that the master is putting himself/herself's safety first. Willing to become bait himself, for a Pope daring enough to say this, Vittorio should be the first. Since the Pope already decided it, nobles who disagree with him shouldn't be nobles at all. Even for Romalia Pilgrims, even as a heretic, there really is nothing to disagree with.

Louise's tome was in pain, but should could not say any words of rejections.

"Even though, I still disagree. I cannot let the Pope's body be exposed to the danger of this plan."

Vittorio continues to smile and said,

"That's alright, you would not agree to a suggestion as sudden as this immediately. Please take your time to consider it. You will slowly change your point of view and see that I am right."

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